Holistic Nutrition: Complementary Glaucoma Therapies

Holistic Nutrition: Complementary Glaucoma Therapies

By Marsha McCulloch, MS, RD, LD, LN | November 2016 Issue Today’s Dietitian | Vol. 18, No. 11, P. 18

Many patients take a holistic approach to help maintain sight long term.

Glaucoma is an inadequately understood and insidious disease. In the most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, vision is eroded slowly and without pain, starting first with side vision and then central vision—potentially resulting in blindness. For this reason, it’s often called “the sneak thief of sight.” Although it’s more common in older people, it can start at any age.

Glaucoma generally isn’t curable, but medications and surgery can help slow disease progression. A healthful lifestyle, including good nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking also may be protective. Growing evidence suggests certain complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies may be good adjuncts to conventional care… [Continue Reading]