Regulate Intraocular Pressure Naturally: Fight Glaucoma

berries for glaucomaGlaucoma is a severe eye disease linked to high intraocular pressure. How can you regulate eye pressure?  If you have a glaucoma diagnosis, the eye doctor often prescribes eye drops to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Is there anything additional that you can do to help keep your IOP lower?

Addressing glaucoma and the risk of glaucoma primarily involves maintaining normal intraocular pressure and nourishing the optic nerves. (If you have low-tension glaucoma, circulation to the eye is crucial.) In our previous article, we explored essential nutrients that support optic nerve health.

The eye produces a fluid called “aqueous humor,” which helps maintain eye shape and nourish tissues. When the drainage of this fluid is impaired, it leads to “Open-Angle Glaucoma,” characterized by increased eye pressure. If untreated, this can cause eye enlargement and potential blindness.

While reducing IOP is crucial, it doesn’t prevent progression in all cases. Other factors like disturbed ocular blood flow and oxidative stress also play significant roles in glaucoma prevention and treatment. Additionally, many nutrients beneficial for the optic nerves also support the retina, vision, heart, brain function, and overall health.

In this article, we will focus on nutrients that help lower eye pressure naturally. These are not meant to replace your eye doctor’s recommendations but to complement them. We do not advise changing the use of a prescription without coordination with your eye doctor.

Nutrition for Glaucoma

Here are nutrients, herbs, and antioxidants that help lower IOP naturally.

Herbs

Coleus Forskohlii, an Ayurvedic herb: Research on a glaucoma supplement featuring forskolin, combined with taurine, carnosine, folic acid, B vitamins, and magnesium, has shown a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) and improved retinal nerve cell health.1

Marijuana: While it can lower IOP, its effects are short-lived.2 CBD oil is an alternative, though more research is needed.

Fruit

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus): Known for its anthocyanin antioxidants, bilberry has been proven to support vision health. Studies indicate that combining bilberry with ginkgo biloba benefits those with normal tension glaucoma. Additionally, pairing bilberry with French maritime pine bark (pycnogenol) can reduce IOP by up to 24%.3

Nutrients and Vitamins

Essential Fatty Acids: These enhance the outflow of aqueous humor and provide both internal and external neuroprotective benefits.4

Magnesium: Found in high concentrations in the eye, magnesium, when included in a supplement with other nutrients like homotaurine and forskolin, has been shown to significantly lower IOP and improve light and contrast sensitivity. 5 It may also enhance ocular blood flow.6

NMN (or NAM): Effective in reducing glaucomatous damage in animal studies, NMN also helps lower IOP, offering a dual approach to glaucoma treatment.7 Nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are compounds that are part of the B-vitamin family.

Vitamin C: Natural vitamin C, especially from whole fruits with bioflavonoids, is preferred over synthetic forms. Low vitamin C levels have been linked to glaucoma, and supplementation can significantly reduce IOP.8 In numerous regions globally, vitamin C is commonly used for glaucoma patients due to its ability to reduce aqueous fluid production and enhance drainage. Furthermore, vitamin C plays a role in supporting collagen metabolism, which might be associated with glaucoma.9 Supplementation with large doses (10,000mg daily) can significantly lower IOP by 10 points.10 However, high doses of citric acid can cause loose stools.

Hormones

Melatonin: IOP tends to be lowest at night when melatonin levels peak. Supplementing with melatonin might help reduce IOP, as it is typically higher in the morning when melatonin is low.11

Dietary Considerations

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can naturally lower IOP.12 Foods high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium, such as garlic, onions, beans, and leafy greens, are recommended.

Hydration

Adequate water intake is crucial for nutrient flow and waste removal from eye tissues. Balance is key to avoiding overhydration. Drink water 4 ounces at a time. Our bloodstream can only manage dilution from about four ounces of water at a time. Consuming more than this at one time increases the workload on the kidneys, because they must filter excess water that hasn’t yet circulated through the lymphatic system to cleanse body tissues. Aim to drink 16 four-ounce glasses per day, which is 64 fluid ounces.

Lifestyle Tips:

  • Avoid artificial sweeteners due to potential neurotoxicity.
  • Limit coffee intake, as it can temporarily raise IOP.
  • Above-average stress levels can increase IOP.13 Manage stress through meditation, yoga, Qi gong, and tai chi. Avoid head-down yoga positions, as they increase IOP.
  • Download our free eye exercise e-book. Good exercises for glaucoma are hot dog, near-far focus, and palming.

Sleep Position

A study found that a low head position can increase intraocular pressure (IOP).14 Adjusting pillow height appropriately may help reduce IOP elevations associated with using a low or no pillow. Another study observed that asymmetric sleep behavior is common, with a preference for right-sided sleep, which was linked to a lower visual field index in individuals who sleep on their left side.15

Other Considerations:

  • Glucosamine Sulfate: May increase IOP in some individuals.
  • Breathing Techniques: Proper breathing and posture can enhance oxygenation and reduce stress.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, can lower IOP and decrease glaucoma risk.

In our next blog post, we will focus of the effects of oxidative stress on vision, as it also relates to glaucoma and other eye conditions.

Check out more glaucoma articles:

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month! Stay informed with our series of articles covering essential topics on glaucoma. Check out all four posts below:

Prevent and Support Glaucoma: The Silent Thief

Oxidative Stress and Its Impact on Health and Vision

Neuroinflammation and Glaucoma: Bridging Brain Health and Vision

Suggested Supplements

Dr. Grossman’s Circulation and Optic Nerve Support Formula

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps – our foundation eye formula which is a whole food, organic, GMO free formulation.

Retinal Support (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps – with lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, taurine and astaxanthin.

Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi1 20 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply

ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – based on classic Chinese medicine Liver tonic formula to help support healthy circulation and blood flow throughout the eyes and body.

Dr. Grossman’s Vitamin C Plant-Based Formula – 60 caps


OmegaGenics™ EPA-DHA 720 Lemon 120 gels – also available in 240 gelcaps or liquid

NMN Wonderfeel Capsul 60 vegcaps

H2 Elite Molecular Hydrogen 60 tabs

Recommended Books

Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing

Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Other Related Diseases Naturally

Natural Parkinson’s Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Parkinson’s

  1. Mutolo, M.G., Albanese, G., Rusciano, D., Pescosolido, N. (2016). Oral Administration of Forskolin, Homotaurine, Carnosine, and Folic Acid in Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Changes in Intraocular Pressure, Pattern Electroretinogram Amplitude, and Foveal Sensitivity. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther, Apr;32(3):178-83.
  2. Flach, A.J. (2002). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the treatment of end-stage open-angle glaucoma. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc, 100:215–22.
  3. Steigerwalt, R.D., Belcaro, G., Morazzoni, P., Bombardelli, E., Burki, C. (2010). Mirtogenol potentiates latanoprost in lowering intraocularpressure and improves ocular blood flow in asymptomatic subjects. Clin Ophthalmol, 4:471–476.
  4. Rossi, G. C. M., Scudeller, L., Lumini, C., Bettio, F., Picasso, E., Ruberto, G., Briola, A., Mirabile, A., Paviglianiti, A., Pasinetti, G. M., & Bianchi, P. E. (2020). Effect of palmitoylethanolamide on inner retinal function in glaucoma: a randomized, single blind, crossover, clinical trial by pattern-electroretinogram. Scientific reports, 10(1), 10468. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-67527-z
  5. Rolle T, Dallorto L, Rossatto S, Curto D, Nuzzi R. Assessing the performance of daily intake of a homotaurine, carnosine, forskolin, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and magnesium based food supplement for the maintenance of visual function in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. J Ophthalmol. 2020;2020:7879436.
  6. Ekici F, Korkmaz S, Karaca EE, et al. The role of magnesium in the pathogenesis and treatment of glaucoma. Published online ahead of print October 13, 2014. Int Sch Res Notices.
  7. Williams PA, Harder JM, John SWM. Glaucoma as a metabolic optic neuropathy: making the case for nicotinamide treatment in glaucoma. J Glaucoma. 2017;26(12):1161–1168. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000000767
  8. Aleksidze, A.T., Beradze, I.N., Golovachev, O.G. (1989). Effect of the ascorbic acid of the aqueous humor on the lipid peroxidation process in the eye in primary open-angle glaucoma. Oftalmol Zh, (2):114-6.
  9. Xu, P., Lin, Y., Porter, K., Liton, P.B. (2014). Ascorbic acid modulation of iron homeostasis and lysosomal function in trabecular meshwork cells. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther, Mar-Apr;30(2-3):246-53.
  10. Boyd, H.H. (1995). Eye Pressure Lowering Effect of Vitamin C. J Orthomol Med, 10(2):165-168
  11. Samples, J.R., Krause, G., Lewy, A.J. (1988). Effect of melatonin on intraocular pressure. Curr Eye Res, Jul;7(7):649-53.
  12. Coleman, A.L., Stone, K.L., Kodjebacheva, G., Yu, F., Pedula, K.L., et al. (2008). Glaucoma risk and the consumption of fruits and vegetables among older women in the study of osteoporotic fractures. Am J Ophthalmol, Jun;145(6):1081-9.
  13. Shily, B.G. (1987). Psychophysiological stress, elevated intraocular pressure, and acute closed-angle glaucoma. Am J Optom Physiol Opt, Nov;64(11):866-70.
  14. Seo, H., Yoo, C., Lee, T.E., Lin, S., Kim, Y.Y. (2015). Head position and intraocular pressure in the lateral decubitus position. Optom Vis Sci, Jan;92(1):95-101.
  15. Kaplowitz, K., Blizzard, S., Blizzard, D.J., Nwogu, E., Hamil, C.E., et al. (2015). Time Spent in Lateral Sleep Position and Asymmetry in Glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, Jun;56(6):3869-74.