Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve that
sends information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is often related
to increased pressure in the eye, called intraocular pressure. If left
untreated or uncontrolled, the increase in eye pressure can cause
peripheral (side) vision loss. Glaucoma tends to be hereditary and
people don't get it until later in life. It is important for
people with a family history of glaucoma get regular eye examinations
as glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain.
In Canada,
glaucoma currently affects 400,000 people and is one of the leading
causes of blindness. Instances of glaucoma are expected to rise in the
future as there is no current cure and an increase in more
longer-lived senior population.
Glaucoma can only be diagnosed with a complete eye examination. There is
currently no cure for glaucoma and no medication can restore vision loss
caused by the disease.
The objective of glaucoma treatment
is to reduce eye pressure and halt any additional eyesight loss.
Typically, for mild stages, your doctor may use medications in the form
of pills or eye drops to reduce intra-ocular pressure. For advance
stages, surgery may be required to make a drainage path for fluid or
destroy tissue that causes the fluid buildup.
The specific cause of glaucoma is unknown although it is often related
to increased intraocular pressure in the eye. There are some theories
that point to poor blood circulation in and around the tissues of the
eyes.
Developing risk factors for developing glaucoma
include:
• Age - People over 60 are at increased risk of
glaucoma
• Family History - Risks for open-angle glaucoma is
increased if the condition runs in the family
• Medical History -
People with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease have
increased risk of glaucoma
• Medication - Using corticosteroids
for longer periods may increase the risk of developing secondary
glaucoma
• Physical Injury - trauma to the eye, such as being hit
in the eye, can cause the eye pressure to increase
The way Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches glaucoma is similar to
the treatment of other degenerative eye diseases.
By
improving blood circulation and deliver nutrient-rich blood to the
tissue and structure around the eyes, the health and function of the
optic nerve can be maintained. If the patient is in the early stages
of open-angle glaucoma, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can be
quite successful.
For patients already receiving
conventional treatment, TCM can maintain intraocular pressure and may
reduce the amount of medication needed. A combination of herbal
medicine, acupuncture, lifestyle changes and nutritional support is
considered as a comprehensive way to treat glaucoma cases.
Acupuncture stimulates blood circulation to preserve the health
of the optic nerve.
Our clinic uses a special form of acupuncture called
micro-acupuncture. The system is used specifically to treat various
eye conditions and are completely different from traditional
acupuncture performed at most clinics. Acupuncture points will be
performed on the hands, feet and eyebrows.
No Needles go into the eye.
The specific
method will increase the delivery of oxygen-rich nutrients into the
eyes.
