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Complementary and alternative medicine for glaucoma.

D J Rhee1, L J Katz, G L Spaeth

  • 1Glaucoma Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.

Survey of Ophthalmology
|August 30, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for glaucoma is limited, with no strong evidence supporting most treatments. While some therapies like Ginkgo biloba may offer benefits, potential toxicities require careful consideration.

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Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Integrative Medicine

Background:

  • Growing patient interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for glaucoma management.
  • Approximately 5% of glaucoma patients utilize CAM therapies.
  • Need for evidence-based evaluation of CAM's role in glaucoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on the efficacy and safety of various CAM treatments for glaucoma.
  • To assess the scientific evidence supporting CAM interventions for glaucoma patients.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies on CAM therapies for glaucoma.
  • Analysis of research on megavitamin supplementation, exercise, diets, acupuncture, relaxation techniques, therapeutic touch, and herbal remedies.
  • Evaluation of evidence regarding intraocular pressure (IOP) and optic nerve blood flow.

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Main Results:

  • No evidence supports megavitamin supplementation for glaucoma, except transient osmotic effects from high-dose intravenous ascorbic acid.
  • Exercise may offer modest IOP reduction, but initial elevation could negate benefits.
  • Ginkgo biloba and some Chinese herbs may improve optic nerve blood flow but have toxicities; marijuana lowers IOP but has limitations.
  • Limited evidence exists for diets, acupuncture, relaxation, or therapeutic touch in glaucoma treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence does not support the routine use of most CAM therapies for glaucoma.
  • Ginkgo biloba and certain Chinese herbs show potential for improving optic nerve blood flow, warranting further research.
  • Marijuana is not recommended due to efficacy and safety concerns.
  • More high-quality research is needed to validate CAM's role in glaucoma management.