![]() ![]() ![]() MEMANTINE seemed to be a promising option at one point and was studied in a large clinical trial for 5 years. A significant downside is the risk of bleeding in elderly patients, according to Lin. ![]() However, as many other studies do not support the herb’s positive effects, the jury is still out on the matter. The results of a retrospective study of ginkgo for normal-tension glaucoma found that the herb may stop the progression of the disease. Investigators observed improved visual fields with a substantial decrease in the amount of mean deviation. In a study supporting the use of ginkgo, patients with glaucoma who had a significantly affected pretreatment mean deviation were treated with ginkgo for 4 weeks. In addition toĪntioxidant activity, ginkgo also preserves the mitochondria, inhibits apoptosis, and possibly increases blood flow. “While it has not been completely established exactly how these molecules work, they may be helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and possibly glaucoma,” he said. The compounds in the herb include flavonoids, lactones, and cyanidins, all antioxidants. It is an herbal supplement obtained from the leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree and has been used in Chinese medicine for 5000 years. GINKGO was described by Lin as a “relatively interesting agent” for treating glaucoma and other diseases. “There are better treatments to lower eye pressure, and it is not something that I recommend to my patients,” Lin continued. The American Academy of Ophthalmology does not recommend marijuana as a primary treatment for glaucoma, Lin noted. Potential downsides include concomitant lowering of the ocular perfusion pressure (by lowering the blood pressure) and addiction. MARIJUANA, which is legal for use in California, does lower IOP, but the duration of the effect is very short- about 3 hours-which would require the patient to use the drug almost continuously. Lin, MD, co-director of research at the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco, California. However, some patients do not respond to those treatments or prefer additional routes to lower IOP or protect their optic nerves.Īlthough the only proven therapies are those that lower IOP and include medications, lasers, and surgeries, patients frequently inquire about other options.Īmong these are marijuana, Ginkgo Biloba, memantine, acupuncture, meditation, blood pressure modification, and certain supplements as possible therapeutic candidates, explained Shan C. Most patients with glaucoma respond to some degree to medical, laser, or surgical therapies designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). In the current armamentarium of glaucoma management, ACT cannot substitute the conventional treatment available to lower IOP. We must also remember the side effects of ‘medications’ (e.g., marijuana, alcohol) before promoting them as a remedy for glaucoma. Hypothetically and few studies do show neuroprotective effect (or effect on ocular blood flow) of alcohol, Gingko Biloba, bilberry, but the current evidence is weak for its routine use. The psychological stress can increase IOP. Various lifestyle activities like exercise and alcohol can reduce IOP by 1 to 2 mm Hg but would have a small effect on glaucoma. At least 5% of the glaucoma population uses ACT. However, there is a lot of interest in nonpharmacological options that include lifestyle adjustment and alternative and complementary therapy (ACT). ![]() Various randomized controlled clinical trials have shown that lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) does reduce the progression of primary open-angle glaucoma. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |