How Can Acupuncture Prevent Glaucoma

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the result of damage to the optic nerve of the eye. Due to elevated pressure or build-up of fluid, the optic nerve gradually deteriorates, and blind spots develop in the visual field. Furthermore, glaucoma is considered the leading cause of blindness among the senior population. This disease category encompasses many eye conditions that can affect a person without warning.

However, glaucoma doesn't only affect the elderly. Infants or children can be diagnosed with glaucoma at birth or even in the early stages of life. Underlying medical conditions in such cases may damage the optic nerve. African-Americans, Asians, and Hispanics are more prone to the disease. In addition, conditions such as eye trauma, diabetes, high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia, and heart disease can contribute to glaucoma.

Oftentimes, vision changes may come on gradually, and individuals don't realize the danger until the disease is in its advanced stage.

Signs and causes of glaucoma

Modern medicine does not know precisely the reasons for the fluid pressure buildup that can cause nerve damage and lead to glaucoma. However, a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, contributes to keeping your eyes healthy. Symptoms of glaucoma vary greatly and depend on the individual's particular condition.

It's essential to promptly consult your doctor or even go to the emergency room as glaucoma will cause blindness if left untreated. If glaucoma runs in your family, get regular check-ups as the condition is genetic.

Treatment for glaucoma

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Because the effects of glaucoma are irreversible and lead to blindness, seniors must have regular eye exams and appropriate testing.

If caught early, glaucoma symptoms can be managed or even prevented. But, once diagnosed, the condition requires lifelong treatment and management. Doctors can lower eye pressure and manage glaucoma with medications, prescription eye drops, and sometimes laser/microsurgery. 

How can acupuncture help? 

Acupuncture is particularly beneficial in patients with glaucoma. Since acupuncture increases the blood flow in the arteries, the treatment optimizes brain and eye pressure.

Researchers at the Department of ophthalmology at the University Hospital in Dresden, Germany, determined positive short-term effects of acupuncture in regulating blood flow. The results were consistent and promised exponential improvement, particularly in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Find the best acupuncture treatment

Acupuncture will provide sensory stimulation that has shown great promise for slowing down symptom progression and even reversing.

Your acupuncturist will determine the appropriate meridians for the treatment depending on your particular condition. Contact Fast Relief Acupuncture today to learn more about treatment and your specific options.