Glaucoma (adjunctive care)
Also known as: glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, raised intraocular pressure, ocular hypertension
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually from raised pressure inside the eye, and can cause irreversible vision loss. Treatment is ophthalmologist-directed drops, laser or surgery. Chinese medicine may support general eye health and wellbeing alongside — never instead of — medical care.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Attend all ophthalmology and optometry reviews and visual field tests.
- •Take prescribed eye drops exactly as directed — set reminders if needed.
- •Avoid head-down yoga positions and heavy straining if advised by your specialist.
- •Regular moderate exercise supports general vascular health.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency — never treat, refer to hospital immediately.[,]
- •Never advise reducing or stopping prescribed intraocular-pressure-lowering medication.[,]
- •Avoid needling into the eyeball or deep periocular needling; shallow local points only by experienced practitioners.[]
- •Do not claim acupuncture or herbs lower eye pressure or reverse glaucoma.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Confirm at each visit that ophthalmology care and medication compliance continue. Track subjective eye comfort and stress only — intraocular pressure and visual fields are measured by the specialist.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- Glaucoma Australia · 2024
- AHPRA · 2024
- Vision Australia · 2024
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.