keeping eye pressure low

Just found your website.  I am not over the top on my eye pressure; however, it is borderline and my doctor is carefully watching it and doing visual acuity tests, etc. each year.  I am taking ICaps and Bilberry, but wonder if anyone has had luck with alpha lipoic acid.  I would love to hear from you on this.  Wishing you good health.  Jan


This discussion is related to Eye Pressure (IOP) and natural remedies.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Jan be sure your "doctor" is a MD physician ophthalmologist. He/she should have a MD degree after their name not a OD (non MD non physician limited training optometrist).

ICAPS are helpful in macular degeneration, bilberry is unproven and alpha lipoic acid has no useful proven eye purpose.

JCH IIMD

[jmch]

Thanks for the reply.  My doctor is an ophthalmologist and I also see a retinal specialist once a year.  Just saw both.  The retinal specialist said my pressure was good; however, when I see the Ophthalmolotist, the technician  takes the pressure and it was 20 and 21 I believe,  but then the Dr. takes it and it is a bit higher.  Still, not over the top and I am to go back in 6 months.  I also have read about Forskohlii and am going to take these.  What do you think?  What is this with aging?  Seems I am on so much medication and I wonder what, if anything, all these meds could be doing to my eye pressure.  Every time I go to my Primry, there is something new to take.  Now she says I need to get my sugar down, though it was only 111 fasting.  So,she gave me prescription for Metaforim and I am not going to take this.  My pharmacist told me how sick I could get.  I am watching diet and more exercise and will see if this works before I go on yet another med.  Thanks so much, Jan

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Forskohlii  is unproven to help glaucoma.  I would discuss again with your MD about metaformin. If you are diabetic or pre diabetic the medication has demonstrated to be quite beneficial.

JCH IIMD

[hoss202]

Are there any homeopathic remedies for eye pressure. If so any specific medication??

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

No the only people that benefit from homeopathic remedies are the people that sell them. There is not a shred of evidence based medicine that shows that type of homeopathic "snake oil" is beneficial.

JCH MD

[baggyrinkle]

What about the effectiveness of Marijuana for treating glaucoma? And what is your take on Bush & Lomb  PreserVision eye vitamin & mineral supplement?

[nubia55]

I had cataract surgery four years ago.  I have been in excellent health and have used vitamins and supplements all my life.  Before and after surgery I was given Steriods to avoid infections....not have used any type of strong drugs like steriods it caused the pressure to go up in my eye....I have been reluctant to take medication because of all the various side affects.  I had a visual field workup and another involved test to see if there is any damage to the optic nerve.  All test were negative and my optic nerves are healthy.....my last visit was yesterday and the pressure in my right eye was 40....which that has never been before.  I was given medication in the office and the pressure when down immediately to 29.....some of the medications I have tried cause heart palpatation, and shortness of breath....any suggestion.  What is normal eye pressure.....I have heard different thoughts about that....thank you.

[nubia55]

I had cataract surgery four years ago.  I have been in excellent health and have used vitamins and supplements all my life.  Before and after surgery I was given Steriods to avoid infections....not have used any type of strong drugs like steriods it caused the pressure to go up in my eye....I have been reluctant to take medication because of all the various side affects.  I had a visual field workup and another involved test to see if there is any damage to the optic nerve.  All test were negative and my optic nerves are healthy.....my last visit was yesterday and the pressure in my right eye was 40....which that has never been before.  I was given medication in the office and the pressure when down immediately to 29.....some of the medications I have tried cause heart palpatation, and shortness of breath....any suggestion.  What is normal eye pressure.....I have heard different thoughts about that....thank you.