Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 11/1/2006

Question

        I have been   diagnosed with gluocoma  , I  had laser    surgery    pressure  is  worse .  can     a chiropractor help me ?

Answer
Dear Sheila,

Unfortunately chiropractic care does not offer a direct correlation in treatment benefits concerning Glaucoma.     Glaucoma is a group of diseases of the optic nerve involving loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic pattern of optic neuropathy.  Chiropractic care is unable to directly effect the specialized cells in the optic nerve, or the pressure inside the eye.  

Conversely the have been studies performed on the usage of herbs to heal tissues within the eye, and treatments created specifically for the Glaucoma patient. Below you will find three specific herbals that have been shown in clinical trials to help multiple problems in relation to the eyes and vision.  Below that I have included a link to a product that has been formulated Specifically for the actual treatment of Glaucoma.  The product is registered with the FDA and has clinical trials associated with it.

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS (bilberry) has an impressive history in the natural treatment of eye disorders. It is routinely recommended in Europe as an addition to conventional medical treatment, particularly for eye disorders. Medically active components of bilberry include flavonoid compounds known as anthocyanosides, which work to counteract cell damage caused by free radicals. By strengthening the tiny blood vessels of the eye, bilberry helps to facilitate delivery of essential oxygen and nutrients to the eye and has been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases of the retina. It also reduces the incidence of hemorrhage in the eye, often associated with diabetes. Further studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of bilberry in treating and preventing cataracts and glaucoma - two very common eye disorders in older people. Because of this, it is recommended that all people over the age of 50 take it daily to prevent eye disorders and promote optimal visual health.

ASPALATHUS LINEARUS (Rooibos) is found only on the slopes of the Cedarberg mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa and has been used medicinally for thousands of years by the indigenous people of that area. It is used as an effective all round tonic and restorative, to reduce digestive complaints, improve liver functioning and balance blood sugar levels. Like bilberry, Rooibos also has powerful anti-oxidant properties, mainly due to its superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic properties. SOD is an enzyme in the body which is especially designed to neutralize unstable oxygen molecules (free radicals) as soon as they occur and can therefore help to prevent a broad spectrum of diseases. Due to its high mineral content, Rooibos is also instrumental in the maintenance of healthy metabolism, bones, skin and teeth. Rooibos can help to control blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and enhance immune functioning. It is an extremely nutritious herb, containing Vitamin C, Alphahydroxy Acid, potassium, copper, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese and fluoride.

SUTHERLANDIA FRUTESCENS, (also called Kanker Bossie or Cancer Bush) was originally used by the indigenous Khoi and San peoples of Southern Africa and is indigenous to this region. Although it is well known in the traditional treatment of internal cancers, Sutherlandia is also effective in treating a wide range of ailments, including diabetes. Research has shown that Sutherlandia contains the active ingredients canavanine, pinitol, and ,the amino acid GABA. Pinitol is a well-known anti-diabetic agent (Narayanan et al, 1987). Recent research has confirmed the adaptogenic properties of Sutherlandia as well as its anti-oxidant effects (Swaffer et al. 1995, Crooks and Rosenthal, 1994, Ostlund and Sherman, 1996)

http://www.glaucotab.com/index.htmlFoeniculum Vulgare

The GLUCOTAB product contains these listed ingredients and has a money back gaurantee.  Ptychotis Ajovan, Cuminum Cyminum, Ruta Graveolens, Cateria Lacca, Cinnamomum Tamala, and Cassia Angustifolia.  Please check the website listed above to see if the product may be right for you and ask your doctor if they have any additional information.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman