Glaucoma is called the sneak thief of sight because glaucoma has no obvious symptoms at first. Glaucoma is painless, and in its initial stage has no effect on vision. By the time there is a noticeable change in eye sight, glaucoma has done its damage.
The normal eye is filled with fluid, and that fluid drains through tissue between the iris and cornea. With glaucoma, that drain backs up and the fluid either flows out slowly (open angle glaucoma) or stops flowing (closed angle galucoma). The backup builds pressure throughout the eye, damaging blood vessels that feed the retina and optic nerve. Without nutrients, the optic nerve begins to die, along with your vision. One of every seven legally blind people in America lost sight due to glaucoma. The natural remedies in this chapter-in conjunction with medical care and used with the approval of your doctor-may help prevent glaucoma or slow its development.