Treatment of Glaucoma with Honey and Other Folk Remedies
The human eye is designed in such a way that it constantly maintains internal pressure. In glaucoma, fluid accumulates inside the eye due to improper circulation, leading to increased pressure. As a result, blood circulation is disrupted, excessive stress is placed on the optic nerve, and it atrophies. A person begins to experience problems with peripheral vision and may eventually go blind. It is crucial to start treating glaucoma at an early stage as soon as possible, as the disease is irreversible.
Glaucoma can develop regardless of a person’s age, but the chances of detecting the disease increase with age. It is most commonly found in elderly individuals—about 3% of 75-year-olds suffer from this condition. The main symptoms of glaucoma include pain and sharp sensations in the eyes, impaired vision at night, and blurred vision.
Main Causes of Glaucoma
The primary causes of glaucoma include:
- Hypoxia of the tissues surrounding the optic nerve
- Destruction and atrophy of fibers
- Poor blood circulation
There are several types of glaucoma: congenital, juvenile, primary, and secondary. Congenital glaucoma usually develops due to genetic disorders or diseases during pregnancy. Juvenile glaucoma appears in children from the age of three. Primary glaucoma is the most common and occurs with aging. Secondary glaucoma is typically caused by other diseases that lead to structural damage in the eye.
Methods of Glaucoma Treatment
There are various methods for treating glaucoma. The primary treatment is medication, which focuses on three key areas:
- Reducing intraocular pressure
- Improving blood supply
- Normalizing tissue metabolism
Common medications for glaucoma treatment include pilocarpine, travoprost, dorzolamide, Fotil, and Cosopt. Some of these drugs can be used alone, but most are prescribed in combination with others.
In cases requiring surgical intervention, laser surgery is used. The laser beam creates a burn or breaks the tissue, which helps normalize pressure in the eye chambers.
Fighting Glaucoma with Folk Remedies
In addition to medication and surgery, folk remedies can also be effective in treating glaucoma. Many natural recipes can help alleviate symptoms and even eliminate the problem entirely. Most commonly, compresses are used.
One popular method involves:
- Measuring half a glass of nettle, adding one teaspoon of lily of the valley flowers, and pouring a glass of cool water over the mixture.
- After 9 hours, adding half a teaspoon of baking soda, stirring, and using the mixture as a compress.
- Applying the compress for 20 minutes daily.
Aloe Vera is excellent for eye rinsing. To prepare it:
- Rinse an aloe leaf thoroughly, chop it finely, and pour a glass of hot water over it.
- Let it steep for three hours, strain, and use the liquid to rinse the eyes.
- This procedure should be repeated three times a day.
Another effective remedy is golden mustache (Callisia fragrans). To use it:
- Take a 20 cm long leaf, chop it, and pour one liter of boiling water over it.
- Let it infuse for 24 hours, then drink four times a day, 30 minutes before meals.
- The treatment lasts 21 days, followed by a one-month break before resuming.
- Fresh golden mustache juice can also be used as eye drops for 10 days.
Other natural remedies for glaucoma treatment include baked sea onion, rowan berries, viburnum, red currants, and wild strawberries.
Honey Treatment for Glaucoma
Honey is also used for glaucoma treatment. To prepare a remedy:
- Mix one teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of aloe juice.
- Add one tablespoon of water and mix well.
- Instill this mixture into the eyes every night before bed.
- Continue the treatment until improvement is noticed.
Eye Lotions for Glaucoma
Another effective remedy involves dill seed eye compresses:
- Prepare a small fabric pouch (5×5 cm).
- In the evening, fill it with dill seeds and soak it in boiling water.
- Let the pouch cool and place it on the eyes for 20 minutes before bedtime.
- Repeat this procedure daily until symptoms improve.
Important Considerations
Folk remedies can be used after surgery, but it is essential to consult a doctor beforehand to avoid complications. Dietary recommendations for glaucoma patients include:
- Limiting water intake to 1.5 liters per day (for the first two weeks after surgery) to prevent tissue swelling.
- Avoiding spicy seasonings, fatty meats, and spices (for the first two weeks after surgery).
- Strictly avoiding alcohol consumption.
- Refraining from activities that strain the eyes, such as watching TV, reading, knitting, or other eye-intensive tasks.
- Increasing the intake of dairy products, cabbage, whole grain bread, and fresh juices.
During the postoperative period, patients are prescribed nonsteroidal eye drops and antibiotics, but these do not provide a complete cure and may require several months of use. However, incorporating folk remedies can improve well-being and help manage the condition without side effects.
