A small number of studies have examined the potential efficacy of non-medical glaucoma treatments, including exercise, cannabis, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques.
The effects of exercise on intraocular pressure have been mixed, and seem to depend on the type and intensity of exercise. While marijuana use has been shown to effectively reduce intraocular pressure, its effects are short-lived, requiring dosing of 8–10 times per day for a sustained therapeutic effect. Clear evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture and relaxation techniques is lacking.[1][2][3][4]
References
- ^Ming Ming Zhu, Jimmy Shiu Ming Lai, Bonnie Nga Kwan Choy, Jennifer Wei Huen Shum, Amy Cheuk Yin Lo, Alex Lap Ki Ng, Jonathan Cheuk Hung Chan, Kwok Fai SoPhysical exercise and glaucoma: a review on the roles of physical exercise on intraocular pressure control, ocular blood flow regulation, neuroprotection and glaucoma-related mental healthActa Ophthalmol.(2018 Sep)
- ^K GreenMarijuana smoking vs cannabinoids for glaucoma therapyArch Ophthalmol.(1998 Nov)
- ^Simon K Law, Lin Wang, Tianjing LiAcupuncture for glaucomaCochrane Database Syst Rev.(2020 Feb 7)
- ^G Kaluza, I Strempel, H MaurerStress reactivity of intraocular pressure after relaxation training in open-angle glaucoma patientsJ Behav Med.(1996 Dec)