Glaucoma and Green Tea

Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness throughout the world, is a disease that damages the optic nerve of the eye. This slowly progressing disease affects approximately three million Americans. Glaucoma is caused by a build up of fluid inside the eye. Luckily early treatment can prevent serious eye damage and loss of vision.

There are several key risk factors that should be considered. People over the age of 60, African Americans, those with diabetes or myopia as well as those taking drugs like antihistamines may have a higher risk of developing this debilitating disease. Several tests will be performed to determine if Glaucoma is present and how far the disease has progressed. These test include: visual acuity, visual field, pupil dilation and tonometry which measuring the pressure inside of the eye.

Some sufferers will notice a distinct worsening of their condition when they are engaging in activities that cause the eye to blink often. Watching television, driving, reading and using the computer all cause the eye to blink excessively. Other conditions such as dust, wind, smoke, low humidity, high altitudes and heat may cause the symptoms to worsen. Conversely, humidity and cooler temperatures may alleviate some symptoms.

Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan will be developed. The aim of all treatment plans is to prevent the loss of vision, primarily by reducing eye pressure. There are several typical therapies that are generally offered.

• Drugs: pills or eyes drops are prescribed. Depending on the drug, the eye will produce less fluid or will drain fluid more effectively, thus reducing eye pressure.
• Surgery: in order to save any remaining vision, surgery may become necessary. Both conventional and laser surgery aim to create new drainage paths for fluid, again with the aim of reducing eye pressure.

While both prescription drugs and surgery have shown some positive benefits, some patients may be interested in alternative therapies. When used in conjunction with conventional therapies, they have been shown to offer the patient some relief.

• Nutritional guidelines: encouraging patients to remove suspected allergens from their diet as well as refined foods, red meats and trans fatty acids as well as tobacco, alcohol and caffeine is important. They should also be encouraged to eat antioxidant-rich foods, engage in moderate exercise and drink 6 – 8 glasses of water per day.
• Supplements: Patients may note some improvement with the addition of supplements like multivitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, Coenzyme, Lutein and Melatonin.

One unique approach involves green tea. Green tea has been in the media a lot lately, claiming to be able to do everything from help users loose weight to increase the length of their life. Surprisingly, there is some scientific research that shows that green tea is good for eye health. These studies show that green tea has several key benefits.

• Protection from UV damage: because green tea contains the antioxidant EGCG, studies show that it can help protect the eye from UV damage.
• Prevention of cataracts: the various antioxidants in green tea have been shown to prevent cataract
• Prevention against Glaucoma: again the antioxidant EGCG has been shown to prevent damage by free radicals that may prevent age r elated glaucoma.

Green tea will help protect users from potential damage to the eye. The ability of EGCG to prevent damage by free radicals will prevent further damage to those who suffer from Glaucoma. Adding green tea to the diet may be a simple step to help prevent the onslaught of Glaucoma.