Stress plays a significant role in the occurrence of glaucoma as intra ocular pressure can be affected by emotional state of patient. This IOP is also associated with psycho-physiological stress and stress reduction helps to reduce & prevent IOP. Light yogic exercises, meditation, light breathing exercises are highly beneficial for glaucoma patient.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that is generally associated with pressure rise inside the eye, finally leading to blindness if not detected at an early stage. In a normal eye the watery fluid, aqueous humour, circulates freely and excess goes out through an exit. In case of glaucoma, the exit develops some obstruction and result in increased pressure in eye due to build up excess fluid. This causes irreversible damage to optic nerve and retinal fibers. It will thus result in loss of peripheral or side vision and ultimately permanent loss of vision. According to Ayurveda, glaucoma is best correlated with a condition known as Adhimantha and is of four basic type’s i.e. Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj & Raktaj. Generally speaking vata regulates retinal nerve function whereas kapha nourishes the eye and pitta acts to drain it in context with Adhimantha. Glaucoma is generally called the sneak thief of sight because this disease does not exhibit any major symptoms initially. The onset of disease can only be detected by routine eye examination. However any of these symptoms may require immediate treatment. Its main symptoms are blurred vision, nausea, headaches, hallos around bright light, sever pain, falling of peripheral vision.
Ayurvedic Management of glaucoma consists of four modalities Diet regulation, Panchkarma treatment, Oral medicine, Yoga and meditation.

Glaucoma is generally called the sneak thief of sight because this disease does not exhibit any major symptoms initially. The onset of disease can only be detected by routine eye examination. However any of these symptoms may require immediate treatment.

Diet for prevention & Cure of Glaucoma is rich in vitamins and minerals is important to the eye including zinc and copper, antioxidants Vitamin C, B, E, A & selenium. Foods such as citrus fruits, Broccoli, sprouts, guava, banana and straw berries are recommended, limit caffeine and alcohol intake. Consume water in small amounts throughout the day. Oil massage can reduce stress hormones which are known to raise IOP. Exposure to natural sunlight will help to regulate the body’s natural cycle. Going to bed early and at the same time each night will help the body. Rest your eyes by avoiding strain by watching TV, working on computer, driving and reading. Oranges, carrots, pumpkins, mangoes, papayas, Indian gooseberry, tomato, capsicum & cabbage is useful in Glaucoma.
Panchkarma procedures like Thalam, Shirodhara & Nasyam therapies of Panchakarma are of great help in glaucoma.
Retention of medicated paste or oil right on the vertex of a person for over 30 minutes is termed Thalam. Indian pennyworts, staff tree, Sida plant etc. is used in preparing herbal paste.
In shirodhara herbal oil medicated milk, medicated butter milk are poured on forehead in a specified manner for about 45-50 minutes. Ingredient include nut grass tuber (Mustak), Sandalwood, gooseberry (Amlaki) etc.
Tarpana is retention of medicated ghee over the eyes up to 30 minutes. It is basically an eye cleansing process and gives a cooling effect to the eye. Mahatriphla ghrit Tarpana used for five days.
Nasayam is Pouring of herbal oil in drops into the nostrils and inhaling the contents. Herbal oil is a blend of sesame oil mixed with herbs such as sida plants, bel, vitex etc.
Virechan is intake of safe herbal medicines leading to elimination of Poisonous waste through stool.
In Ayurvedic formulations daily use of Triphla churan in early stages of glaucoma is very useful, Mahatriphala ghrita, Punarnavadi kwath. Glaucotin is a natural medicine formulated specifically to treat glaucoma. Indian gooseberry (Amlaki) juice with honey, Lehyams of aniseed, babul, carrot, coriander and marigold and recent researches had shown tremendous results of Makandi (coleus forskolin) extract for glaucoma it lowers intra ocular pressure by reducing aqueous inflow.
Yoga and meditation are always beneficial and have played a vital role in curing every type of disease. It should be realized that stress plays a significant role in the occurrence of glaucoma as intra ocular pressure can be affected by emotional state of patient. This IOP is also associated with psycho-physiological stress and stress reduction helps to reduce & prevent IOP. Light yogic exercises, meditation, light breathing exercises are highly beneficial for glaucoma patient. However, the patient should take particular care to avoid any posture where the head is kept down. The head is always to be kept high. Research has shown that patient with glaucoma who exercise regularly for at last 3 times a week can reduce their I.O.P. about 20%.