10 Best Home Remedies and Alternative Treatments for Glaucoma in Florida

Florida is one of the contiguous states of the United States and is the home of more than 21 million people as of July 2019. Its tropical climate gained it the nickname of “The Sunshine State.” There are several industries in the state, with healthcare as among the fastest-growing ones.

Floridians saw exciting developments in the healthcare sector in the past couple of years. Among them is the legalization of medical cannabis as a treatment for several conditions, like glaucoma. However, patients should obtain a Florida medical marijuana card to buy cannabis at authorized dispensaries.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition caused by intraocular pressure in your eyes’ optic nerves. The disease may result in permanent vision loss and total blindness if not addressed immediately. There are several types of glaucoma. Among them are:

• Angle-closure glaucoma happens when your iris bulges forward and blocks the drainage angle created by your iris and cornea.

• Open-angle glaucoma occurs when your trabecular meshwork is partially blocked and increases pressure in your eyes.

• Pigmentary glaucoma is the partial blockage of your eyes’ drainage channels with pigment granules from your iris.

• Normal-tension glaucoma is due to damage to your optic nerves that can be caused by conditions like atherosclerosis.

• Glaucoma in children is a condition suffered from birth or the early years of a person’s life.

Recommended Lifestyle/Home Remedies and Alternative Treatments for Glaucoma

There are several lifestyle changes, home remedies, and alternative medicines to improve your eyes’ health and help treat your glaucoma. Here are some of them:

• Refrain from drinking a substantial amount of beverages with high caffeine content as it may cause additional pressure to your eyes.
• Consume foods rich in vitamins and nutrients essential for your eyes’ health, like copper, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E.
• Use a wedge pillow or keep your head elevated for at least 20 degrees when sleeping to lessen the intraocular pressure in your eyes.
• Ask your doctor for a regular exercise program that may help reduce pressure in your eyes. The right workout can also help maintain sufficient blood flow to your eyes’ nerves.
• Don’t forget to take your prescribed medications like eyedrops religiously to help alleviate your symptoms.
• Avoid smoking as nicotine increases your blood pressure and the inflammation of your eyes.
• Take only a small amount of liquids every time you drink. To ensure proper hydration, you may increase the number of times you drink during the day. Drinking large amounts at a time could worsen your condition for several hours.
• Take medical cannabis to help alleviate the intraocular pressure in your eyes. To maintain a steady supply, use your Florida medical marijuana card when ordering at licensed dispensaries.
• Try herbal supplements and remedies like baicalein, turmeric, and bilberry extracts to treat or ease your condition. Several scientific studies showed these remedies could work, but you should consult first with your physician before using them.
• Stress can trigger glaucoma symptoms. To avoid stress, try relaxation remedies like mindfulness meditation, yoga, qigong, tai chi, and breathing exercises.

Your eyes are among the essential parts of your body. Maintaining their health should be one of your priorities. If you suffer eye conditions like glaucoma, focus on their treatment immediately before they worsen. Experiment on the remedies above and use the one that works for you.