During routine eye checks in my 40s, I became alerted to the fact that I had high eye pressure (with 10-20 mmHg considered a healthy reading, mine were consistently 28 mmHg in the left eye and 29 mmHg in the right). Although there is no history of glaucoma in my family, I was referred to hospital for monitoring.
However, I wanted to avoid using eyedrops, particularly after reading your articles on drugs for glaucoma (WDDTY vol 13 no 12 and vol 14 no 4). The hospital kept threatening me with them but, as no eye damage had yet occurred, I had a temporary ‘stay of execution’.
I started using Coleus forskohlii, as highlighted in your articles. The particular brand I used was standardised CF, containing 18 per cent forskolin, or 9 mg per capsule. I have been taking one capsule twice a day for nine months, with a three-week break after six months.
Six months later, in January, after being on the herb for nine months, my readings plummeted to 16 mmHg in the left eye and 20 mmHg in the right. The consultant kept re-taking the readings as she could not believe that I had achieved this level of improvement without being on their drops.
Naturally, I am delighted with the results. My readings are now within the healthy range. But I need some guidance on how to continue. My consultant detected some damage to my field of vision in the right eye at the last visit, and the pressure in that eye is still not as good as that in the left.
Should I continue taking the CF at the same dosage, or should I take a lower dose for maintenance? Is it possible to lower the pressure too much? Do I take a three-week break after every six-month period? What else can I do to help the right eye in particular? Is it possible to use CF drops instead of capsules?
I have also increased my vitamin C intake to 2500 mg/day, and I’m taking bilberry and magnesium, plus my regular intake of good-quality multivitamins/ minerals, vitamin E and evening primrose oil. - CS, Kings Langley
WDDTY replies: We are very pleased to hear that your glaucoma has responded so well to a herbal remedy. But considering the seriousness of the condition, the best advice we can give you is to make an appointment with a naturopathic physician, who will be able to answer your questions and advise you as to the best course that should now be taken, but only after giving you a thorough checkup.