Haha. New function started not too long ago. Btw,i was on lumigen b4 but without any combination drug and result not so )good till the doc put me on xalatan. Now bck to travatan and new cosopt. This morning was my 1st wth cosopt and 1 thing i find diff is the crystalclear feeling after applying cosopt. On other drug, for the 1st 1/2 hr, i feel vision blur instead of clear.. Something new here and i hope this will bring better result when i meet my doc nxt mth
Hmnnn p isaw the porcupine ball in one chinese herb store b4 but dunno what for haha. Btw, other than glaucoma are you a diesbetic?

I am not diabetic yet....... possibility high as both my parents are.

As for the porcupine ball, you no need buy the whole ball (which cost a bomb) but you can buy in a small pack for a few hundred Ringgit. It's a miracle medicine But more importantly is that you must be able to trust the person selling it as there are fakes around.

My 2 cents here as one who has glaucoma ....

Diagnosed as a glaucoma suspect some 20 years ago. Was on Xalatan eye drops but I was not a regualr user of this Xalatan (as a suspect only mah! Ha). Told by my doctor that I have glaucoma and not a suspect anymore a few years ago.

My lay-person's view is as below. For glaucoma, they check these 3 things among others,
* field vision (see if there is any area in your vision which you cannot see, excluding the blind spot)
* internal eye ball pressure,
* retina-optic nerve dip

For the 3rd one, mine is a lot deeper than normal. First 2 are within normal levels.

Cannot cure glaucoma, only maintain it. They do have laser treatment but that will not cure glaucoma.

I am now on Xalatan (once at night) and Alphagan (twice during day). Pressure below 15. Just because one's presure level is below the high level, it does not mean glaucoma is within control. Better to keep it as low as possible rather than sitting just below the high level.

Costs are RM70-100 per bottle. Each bottle can last for about a month.

Glaucoma checks 1-3 times per year. Cost = a few hundreds per viist.

Cheerio.

This post has been edited by plumberly: Apr 8 2013, 03:01 PM

Aha.. This thread getting active with more sufferer coming in. After seeing your result, mine really horrible .. Been spending hundreds on every visit (RM50 for consultation, RM5 registration and diff test diff charges wth the retina optic dip (OCT?) been the most expensive at RM140. I'm getting RM80 for Travatan or Xalatan at THONEH. and for this new drug - COSOPT at RM90..haizz.. Lumigen I think ~ RM85 if I still can recall...

Very expensive disease indeed

Hi guys, just bump up to this thread as i was looking for an alternative/supplement diet to help reducing IOP level.

for your information, i had glaucoma surgery back on Sept 2013, using implant. max med no longer can reduce my IOP.

Mirtogenol (bilberry extract + pycnogenol)
Erigeron breviscapus, 短葶飞蓬, Chinese herb (caffeic acid and scutellarin)
Carotenoids - lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin
Cannabis or marijuana
Vitamin C
Ginkgo
Vinpocetine
Pycnogenol
Dark chocolate
Resveratrol
Pterostilbene
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone)
Coenzyme Q10
Melatonin
Vitamin E as tocopherol nicotinate (Hijuven)
Magnesium, as taurate
CDP choline, or citicholine
Fish oils
Cod liver oil
Alpha lipoic acid
Taurine
Curcumin
L-carnitine and Acetyl l-carnitine
Lycium barbarum (wolfberry)
Forskolin
Dan shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)


Drugs :

Celecoxib
Hydergine
Nimodipine
Selegiline
Memantine
Rivastigmine
Galantamine (sold as supplement in the States)
Bis(7)-tacrine
Paracetamol





This post has been edited by Tham: Nov 4 2013, 01:12 AM

" .... glaucoma is instead caused by a deficiency of of oxygen and blood flow
..... the result of insufficient blood flow due to agglutination (clumping together)
of the red blood cells and waste buildup in the cells and intercellular fluids. "

" These blood-corpuscle clusters cannot squeeze through the extremely
tiny capillaries in the posterior of the eye, so cannot deliver oxygen to the
mitochondria. This is what the problem has been all along, and if people
continue to eat soy and canola oils, a lot more of them are going to
experience vision irregularities - like retinitis and macula lutea degeneration. "

" Death of the mitochondria in the cells in the posterior of the eye is due
to oxygen starvation, sodium toxicity and waste accumulation. When the
mitochondria die, the cells die and the posterior eye tissues atrophy. In this
respect, glaucoma has much in common with hair loss, Alzheimer's disease,
multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and hearing problems."


http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/Cons...ert/Canola.aspx

The Life Extension Foundation's protocol for glaucoma.

http://www.lef.org/protocols/eye_ear/glauc...s.htm#AnchorSug


Healthnotes :

http://www.vitaminworld.com/pages/healthno...a%2fsupplements



Vision Health Part 2: Glaucoma.

http://www.optimumhealthvitamins.com/OptiB...84/Default.aspx




Visual field protective effect of Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand. Mazz.
extract on glaucoma with controlled intraocular pressure: a randomized,
double-blind, clinical trial.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/20698715



Effects of Mirtogenol on ocular blood flow and intraocular hypertension
in asymptomatic subjects.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18618008

http://www.mirtogenol.com

The synthetic cannabinoid WIN55212-2 decreases the intraocular pressure
in human glaucoma resistant to conventional therapies.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/11168547



Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure:
a pilot study


'' Two hours after sublingual administration of 5 mg Delta-9-THC, the IOP
was significantly lower than after placebo (23.5 mm Hg vs. 27.3 mm Hg. ''

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/16988594



Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the treatment of end-stage open-angle glaucoma.

'' There is an impression that this treatment can lower intraocular pressure, but
the development of tolerance and significant systemic toxicity appears to limit
the usefulness of this potential treatment. ''




Cannabinoids in health and disease.

http://www.dialogues-cns.com/publication/c...th-and-disease/



Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in CNS disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/12617697/



Endocannabinoids in the retina: from marijuana to neuroprotection.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18725316/






This post has been edited by Tham: Oct 28 2013, 11:36 PM

Idebenone, the synthetic coenzyme Q10 analog, so-called ''Super Co Q10.''

Idebenone prevents human optic nerve head astrocytes from oxidative stress,
apoptosis, and senescence by stabilizing BAX/Bcl-2 ratio.


'' ..... idebenone may help to protect ONHA (optic nerve head astrocytes) in vivo,
and therefore might be helpful in preventing the progression of glaucomatous
degeneration. ''


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23661043/


http://www.iherb.com/Kirkman-Labs-Idebenon...-Capsules/38856





Retinal damage caused by high intraocular pressure-induced
transient ischemia is prevented by coenzyme Q10 in rat.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17678974/



Inhibition of oxidative stress by coenzyme Q10 increases mitochondrial
mass and improves bioenergetic function in optic nerve head astrocytes.

'' CoQ10 may provide new therapeutic potentials and strategies for protecting
ONH astrocytes against oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction
or alteration in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. ''


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/24091663






This post has been edited by Tham: Oct 29 2013, 02:22 AM

Jarrow Formulas, Blackcurrant extract plus lutein and zeaxanthin.

http://www.iherb.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Black...ggie-Caps/12691



Effects of blackcurrant anthocyanins on intraocular pressure
in healthy volunteers and patients with glaucoma.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23046438



Two-year randomized, placebo-controlled study of blackcurrant
anthocyanins on visual field in glaucoma.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22377796/




Antioxidants treatment of ocular diseases.

http://www.oftalmo.com/seo/archivos/maquet...BF/articulo.pdf



Cataract is a self-defence reaction to protect the retina from oxidative damage.

'' Extracting the opaque lens elevates the retinal oxidative stress and
increases the rate of age-related macular degeneration. ''


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/21354712







This post has been edited by Tham: Oct 30 2013, 12:28 AM

Curcumin, lutein, zeaxanthin, saffron, EGCG, ginkgo,
ginseng, resveratrol, danshen, quercetin.


Botanical Compounds: Effects on Major Eye Diseases.


'' ...... all these diseases are associated with aging, and their etiology or
pathophysiologies share some common mechanistic pathways. These pathways
include oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic factors, which provide insight
for potentially targetable areas. Indeed, in many cases of eye diseases,
oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen or nitrogen species and lipid peroxidation
lead to ocular cell death.In addition, many pathogenic pathways include
inflammatory factors such as the tumor necrosis α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-kappa B
(NF-κB). Interestingly, these pathways often intersect with the mechanism
of action of many botanical compounds.''


'' Although IOP is one of the main factors in glaucoma, many cases progress
despite the lowering of eye pressure to standard levels. In those cases, it is
necessary to find new and innovative ways to prevent or limit the damages other
than lowering the IOP. Since apoptosis plays a significant role in glaucoma,
investigations of compounds described as neuroprotectants may lead to promising
results. Numerous botanical compounds possess such neuroprotective properties,
which may be effective in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma. ''

http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/549174/



Neuroprotection with carotenoids in glaucoma.

'' Lutein and zeaxanthin, with its strong antioxidative effects, can
represent a viable solution in the complex treatment of glaucoma. ''

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/15083692/



The association of consumption of fruits/vegetables with decreased risk of glaucoma
among older African-American women in the study of osteoporotic fractures.

'' There was a protective trend against glaucoma in those consuming more fruit/fruit juices,
fresh oranges, fresh peaches, and collard greens/kale. Higher consumption of carrots and
spinach also showed some associations. Individual nutrient intake from food sources found
protective trends with higher intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C, and α-carotene , and close to
statistically significant trends with β-carotene, folate, and lutein/zeaxanthin. ''

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448787/







This post has been edited by Tham: Oct 30 2013, 12:37 AM

Astaxanthin.



Suppressive effect of astaxanthin on retinal injury
induced by elevated intraocular pressure.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=20457203


Astaxanthin, a dietary carotenoid, protects retinal cells
against oxidative stress in-vitro and in mice in-vivo.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18812030/



The medical research of astaxanthin on eye health.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18812030/



Potential health-promoting effects of astaxanthin.

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/21528364/1622...iew%2Bpaper.pdf



'' Astaxanthin one of the most neuroprotective supplements yet discovered; fat-soluble carotenoids protect the nervous system, brain and eyes. ''

http://www.naturalnews.com/035989_astaxant...protection.html



'' Beyond Eye Health : How Astaxanthin Combats Degenerative Disease ''

http://www.lefeurope.com/fr/magazines/118459

Intraocular pressure decreases in the Japanese with age.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2194306

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18039350



Primary open-angle glaucoma patients have reduced levels
of blood docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/16410047



Dietary omega 3 fatty acids decrease intraocular pressure
with age by increasing aqueous outflow.

http://www.iovs.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=17251475



Cod liver oil: a potential protective supplement for human glaucoma.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3340802/

Just to update my latest condition. Since my last posting in Early Apr 2013, and thereafter prescribed with another new drop i.e Alphagen as an additional to COSOPT & the night drop of Lumigen, my IOP now stabilised at 17 both eyes for the past 2 visits.

On the 1st visit ~ Jul/Aug, wth pressure reading at 17, I started taking Lutein (2 caps/day) + omega 3 fish oil (2 caps/day) supplements just to check the effectiveness eventhough my Doctor told me Lutein will not helps in reducing my IOP.

On the 2nd visit last mth, my eyes pressure maintained at 17. confirming that Lutein + omega 3 actually not really effective. Anyway, I'm still taking Lutein & Omega 3 and waiting for my nxt visit in Jan'14. I will update my pressure after that visit.. to further confirm the effectiveness of supplements.

The drops - PGF2 alpha analogs, beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors,
cholnergics, sympathomimetics - are all just treating your symptoms.


The key is to treat or ameliorate the cause, and while the causes of glaucoma
are quite complex, one of them has to be a poor circulation system.

The arterioles to your eyes are tiny, so it doesn't take much to clog them up.


" .... glaucoma is instead caused by a deficiency of of oxygen and blood flow
..... the result of insufficient blood flow due to agglutination (clumping together)
of the red blood cells and waste buildup in the cells and intercellular fluids. "

" These blood-corpuscle clusters cannot squeeze through the extremely tiny
capillaries in the posterior of the eye, so cannot deliver oxygen to the mitochondria.
This is what the problem has been all along, and if people continue to eat soy and
canola oils, a lot more of them are going to experience vision irregularities - like
retinitis and macula lutea degeneration. "

" Death of the mitochondria in the cells in the posterior of the eye is due to oxygen
starvation, sodium toxicity and waste accumulation. When the mitochondria die, the
cells die and the posterior eye tissues atrophy. In this respect, glaucoma has much
in common with hair loss, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy
and hearing problems. "

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/canola.htm



The key would then be to improve microcirculation to the eye.

There are two nutrients I can think of which can help with this :

Vinpocetine
Tocopherol nicotinate (HIjuven)


Vinpocetine is marketed as a drug in Europe (Cavinton), but sold in
the States as a supplement, because it is extracted from the periwinkle.

http://www.iherb.com/vinpocetine


Effect of vasoactive drugs on visual functions and ocular
hemodynamics in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

'' Increased blood flow velocity in the ocular arteries after a course of
therapy with cavinton forte suggests a better retinal blood supply,
which is a favorable marker for the prediction of the disease. ''

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/19062562



Tocopherol nicotinate is an ester compound of vitamin E and niacin (B3),
developed by Eisai and marketed here as ''Hijuven''. Eisai's products
are distributed here by Diethelm, now DKSH.

Not many pharmacies stock it. One is Fairchem Pharmacy in Jln SS 2/67,
a few doors from Eu Yan Sang.

It now costs $100 a box of 100, but you could ask them for some discount.

Otherwise you could try buying it direct from Diethelm.

It improves peripheral and microcirculation throughout your body,
as well as improves your cholestrol profile, espeically lipoprotein (a).

This is an old Hijuven brochure.

Glad to find you here! I just read your blog about glaucoma before I bumped into this thread. What a coincident.

My dad has glaucoma for a few years and since he was government servant so he goes to government hospital for treatment, USM in Kelantan.

He has had operation done, putting a tube in the eye, but the eye pressure still fluctuates. If i'm not mistaken his eye sights are only 15%/20% now.

A relative intro him to ISEC and that's how i found your blog. I would like to know how much it costs for your treatment in Singapore. Mind to share?

Bro (if sis, please excuse me), ISEC is in KL, SNEC in in Singapore.

As for the cost, just say treatment is Ringgit for Dollars.

Examples:

Consultation is SGD80.

Vision test about RM100 at ISEC (cannot remember the exact amount). In SNEC is about SGD100.

And my Singapore doctor does more tests than ISEC, example, often does another test to see the "nerves" which cost about another SGD100.

Also need to add air fare to the cost. For me, got to add hotel and shopping cost when my wife follow me to SG, haha.

By the way, what is the pressure in your dad's eyes? Fluctuates by how much? Mine also can fluctuate. Reading also depends how good is the doctor is, no kidding. No two doctor will give you the same reading. And my doctor said it also depends on the time of the day.

And she knows I am not keen for operation, and few months back my pressure increased and she recommended laser treatment which I agreed. If you want to know exactly how much then PM me when your dad needs it. And guess what, after the laser,I felt my vision improved slightly and it was reconfirmed that this is indeed the case a month later when I took the vision test - it's a miracle, haha. But, I don't think it will last. BUT, laser is not for everyone as it only last for 6 months to 2 years max. And the doctor told me some people don't even response to laser treatment.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Dec 12 2013, 11:10 PM

Previous checkup the pressure is ok. But sometimes increase to 17-20.

His left eye vision is only 10%. First valve failed to function after some time and second valve was implant. I remember one of the ops was done by an expert lady professor in UKM.

He is currently on timolol, trusopt and xalatan eye drops.

I'm thinking maybe he should get a second opinion from other doctor.

U said laser can last 6-24 months. After that need to do again?

Even the valves don't last forever, like you mentioned. All current glaucoma treatments don't last.... that is why they keep adding tubes and I am sure you have read that some even have more than 10 valves!

If you had read my articles, you will note that I said when it comes to operation, get second and even third opinion. But with your dad vision only 10%, I guess he will be fed up going to see too many doctors as they can't improve his vision much.

Click below to read my article where I told of a story where a guy was told he need to go for brain operation and....

http://ringgitwisefool.blogspot.com/2011/0...prosperity.html

Coming back to your dad, when it increase to 17 to 20, does it drop back??? And very important, did the same person took the pressure reading? Like I said , no two persons will give you the same reading. Actually, the same doctor can even have different pressure reading if he/she take it again in 2 minutes. And those machines that shoots air into the eye to get pressure readings are really useless and inaccurate.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Dec 13 2013, 05:37 PM