Glaucoma
DESCRIPTION
Glaucoma is a sight-threatening disorder marked by an increase in intraocular pressure
(IOP), the pressure within the eyeball. This causes damage to the nerve fibers in
the optic nerve. There are two forms of glaucoma: open angle and closed angle. Open-angle
glaucoma, which accounts for 90 percent of all cases, is a slow, progressive disease
that produces no symptoms in its early stages. By contrast, closed-angle glaucoma
is relatively uncommon and is characterized by rapid and extreme elevations of IOP,
causing rapid loss of vision. Both types of glaucoma may lead to blindness by damaging
the optic nerve. However, early detection and treatment can usually control IOP
and prevent severe vision loss. Glaucoma is most prevalent among those over 40 and
is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States.
SIGNS/SYMPTONS
Open-angle glaucoma is marked by a gradual loss of peripheral vision, indicated
by blind spots. Closed-angle glaucoma is marked by acute attacks involving severe
eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and the appearance of rainbow-colored
halos around lights.
CAUSE
Glaucoma occurs as a result of an excess buildup of aqueous humor, the clear fluid
inside the eyeball that provides nutrients to and carries waste products away from
the lens and cornea of the eye. Normally, this fluid escapes from the eye through
the trabecular network at the same rate at which it is produced. In glaucoma, production
of aqueous humor exceeds the rate of its escape. It is theorized that open-angle
glaucoma occurs when, for reasons not completely understood, the trabecular network
becomes partially blocked. IOP builds up as more aqueous humor is formed, but pressure
does not initially rise high enough to cause any noticeable symptoms. When IOP remains
elevated or continues to rise, however, fibers in the optic nerve are compressed
and destroyed, leading to a gradual loss of vision over a period of years. Closed-angle
glaucoma is caused by a sudden blockage near the iris that prevents aqueous humor
from reaching the trabecular network. This results in the rapid onset of extremely
high IOP that may cause severe, permanent vision loss within a day or two. A family
history of visual-field loss due to glaucoma increases the risk of optic nerve damage.
Evidence also suggests that cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and myopia increase
the risk of nerve damage from glaucoma.
Enzyme therapy balances the body in several ways. Enzymes work to improve digestion
and nutrient acquisition. Enzymes support the immune system by building healthy
organs and blood by reducing levels of toxicity from bacteria, viruses, parasites,
heavy metals, pesticides, and radiation poisoning.
**It is important to address the patient’s diet, exercise, and lifestyle on an individual
basis and in regard to body type (see Digestive Balance Protocol). Support
products are recommended as needed based on the patient’s condition. Enzyme therapy
can be used safely in conjunction with other medical therapies.
**The FDA has not evaluated these statements. These products are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
TREATMENT RATIONALE
There are several benefits to eye health that can be attributed to enzyme therapy.
First, (1) because the vessels of the eye are the smallest in diameter of any other
area in the body, support to promote free blood flow is beneficial. Protease, for
instance, has been proven to positively affect circulation. Secondly, (2) antioxidants
may minimize the effects of protein oxidation and free radical damage, which is
a natural part of the aging process. Finally, (3) because of IOP and the buildup
of aqueous humor, it stands to reason that many of the drainage products may serve
to balance this fluid exchange in the eye.
PROTOCOL (for Glaucoma)
*The above suggestions are intended as a basic guideline. It is always important
to address the patient’s diet, exercise, and lifestyle on an individual basis and
according to body type. Support products may be added as needed based on the patient’s
condition. Enzyme therapy can and often should be used in conjunction with other
therapies.
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Suggested Product Dose Frequency
Digest TPP - 1-2 caps With every meal or snack
Protease TPP - 1 cap 4xday between meals
Antioxidant TPP - 2 caps 4xday between meals
Probiotic TPP - 2 caps At bedtime
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Support Products may be added as needed
Suggested Product Dose Frequency
Inflammatory Control-Protease IFC TPP - 2 caps 4xday between meals (for pain)
RepairZyme - 1 cap 4xday
Kidney Drainage - As per dosage on bottle
Hemo Drainage - As per dosage on bottle
Lymphatic Drainage - As per dosage on bottle
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