It is estimated that by 2020, 1 in every 25 people over the age of 40 will be diagnosed with glaucoma; a condition of the eyes where pressure gradually builds within the eye and presses against the optic nerve. If left untreated, this build-up of pressure damages the retina, optic nerve, and the lens causing eventual permanent blindness. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States after Macular Degeneration.
Glaucoma is most often treated with prescription eye drops that help control eye pressure by increasing drainage, reducing the production of fluid, or both, but not the underlying cause. Once you have elevated eye pressure, you are basically destined to use special eye drops for the rest of your life.
This year, I made a resolution to get all my general health boxes ticked including seeing the dentist, my general health practitioner, and the eye doctor. And, seeing as how I recently sat on and scratched my glasses after keeping them in pristine condition for the last 10 years, I decided there’s no better time than the present to schedule an eye appointment!
So, just a few weeks ago I underwent a multitude of vision tests and was diagnosed with ocular hypertension – the condition that precedes the eventual development of glaucoma.
Thanks to analyzing my raw genetic data from 23andMe, this diagnosis came as no surprise and I was ready for what having glaucoma could mean. However, what I wasn’t ready for was being put on a prescription eye drop right away when my eye pressures were less than my mother’s and aunt’s, both of whom have ocular hypertension.
Not knowing what to do, I reluctantly filled the prescription and then sat there looking at it for the next several hours. In case you were wondering, I was prescribed Xalatan/Latanoprost, and the side effects, especially for someone asthmatic, are rather extensive and less than satisfactory sounding – nausea, sore and aching joints, unexplained pain in the body, rock bottom energy levels, the feeling of grit in the eye, blurred vision, troubled breathing, and a permanent change of eye color to a muddy brown.
Since I know my body and how sensitive my constitution can be, I made the decision to bypass the drops for now and see if I could find a way to control my eye pressure naturally.
I just want you to know that I am completely aware of the risks involved for not using these drops right away and don’t recommend you do this unless you are under the guidance of your ophthalmologist, but I do want to share what I’ve found in regard to using essential oils for glaucoma and hopefully being able to prevent and treat it naturally on my own at my own risk.
I plan on updating this post after my next appointment in the beginning of Sept. but for now, just know that the pressure in my left eye is 20 and the pressure in my right eye is 23. I will be providing a screen shot of my results, so stay tuned for that in the upcoming weeks!
The Best Essential Oils for Glaucoma – Prevention and Treatment
Before we get into the oils, you should know what type of glaucoma you have or are at risk for. This will greatly determine which essential oils are best to use for supporting your eye health.
There are several types of glaucoma:
1. Low-tension/normal-tension glaucoma – the optic nerve can be damaged even with low or normal eye pressure. Vision loss occurs in the peripheral vision.
2. Open-angle glaucoma – fluid does not drain properly and pressure builds in the eye over years. Symptoms may include narrowing peripheral vision, mild headaches, vague visual disturbances, and seeing halos around lights.
3. Angle-closure/closed-angle glaucoma – fluid cannot drain properly from the angle and leave the eye because it is partly blocked by the iris. Pressure may increase suddenly and include pain, redness, and blurred vision.
4. Congenital glaucoma – the individual is born with a defect in the angle of the eye where fluid cannot drain normally. Surgery can usually fix this type of glaucoma.
5. Secondary glaucoma- develops due to /injurious/medical/surgical trauma to the eyes.
6. Neovascular glaucoma – often caused by poorly treated diabetes or high blood pressure. It’s important to treat those underlying causes in order to improve neovascular glaucoma.
7. Pigmentary glaucoma – occurs when pigment is shed from the iris that then slows fluid drainage in the eye.
8. Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma – when extra material is produced and sheds, blocking drainage from the eye.
The essential oils I will be going over today are known to help control low-tension/normal tension, closed-angle, open-angle, and secondary types of glaucoma as they help increase healthy circulation and drainage and help support overall eye health.
Effective Essential Oils for Controlling Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension
Clove
According to one testimonial, a mixture of one third clove essential oil, one third lemon essential oil, and one third olive oil dabbed below and above the eyes lowered eye pressure to a 14 for one woman. I’m not sure what her original eye pressure was, but it seems like the highly antioxidant content and circulation boosting properties of both clove and lemon EO are behind the improvement.
Clove is known to be a very hot essential oil, so I would recommend properly diluting it before using in in such a high quantity. The proper dilution for clove essential oil is 0.5% and lemon is 2%.
You can read ore about properly diluting essential oils HERE.
This testimonial was found in the 9th edition of Reference Guide for Essential Oils pg. 410.
Cypress
Cypress essential oil is an excellent circulatory stimulant and is believed to greatly improve the flow and drainage of fluid in the eyes, discourages fluid retention, and improves capillary strength. This will help balance eye pressure and restore nutrients to eye tissues that help protect vision.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil is known to be incredibly anti-inflammatory and helps return DNA to a healthy state. It regenerates tissues, cartilage, and bone, supports skin health, and can reverse cell degradation.
According to a few testimonials, frankincense essential oil is the holy grail EO for glaucoma prevention and treatment. One individual had her 83-year-old mother who has glaucoma for many years, apply frankincense essential oil on the orbital bone around the eyes, then cup her anointed hands over her eye for 60 seconds once daily. With 6 months of treatment, her pressures went down to a 12.
Again, I don’t know the original eye pressures, but for reference, high pressure is considered to be a 21 and above so this sounds very promising! You can read the testimonial here.
The second testimonial I found was a 50-year-old woman with high pressures ranging from 23-24. She began using frankincense essential oil (3 drops on the heels of her hands placed over her closed eye for 5 minutes every day. Her pressure started going down slightly. She then made a mixture of grapeseed oil and frankincense essential oil (dilution unknown), and began applying it 3-4 times daily on and around her eyes, including the face and throat. She did this consistently for 4 months and her eye pressures lowered to 16-19. You can read this testimonial in the comments section here.
This same site goes on to say that applying 2-3 drops of frankincense essential oil on the cheeks and lateral eye area (I recommend dilution it first to 2%) both morning and evening garners astonishing results.
Frankincense is going to be the main essential oil I use for controlling my ocular hypertension, so I’m really excited to try it after reading these testimonials!
Helichrysum
Helichrysum essential oil is one of the best oils to use for regenerating tissues and nerves, supporting liver health, and improving circulation. It is for these reasons that helichrysum is considered a must have oil for those with glaucoma or general ocular hypertension. It is also one of the few essential oils known to improve vision.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil is known to help improve and maintain tissue health by stimulating blood flow, dilating blood vessels, and promoting oxygenation and the delivery of nutrients to cells.
Essential Oil Recipes for Glaucoma
Glaucoma Essential Oil Recipe #1
• 10ml roll-on bottle
• Carrier oil of choice (I used jojoba oil since it reacts well with my skin)
• 1 drop clove
• 1 drop lemon
• 1 drop lemongrass
• 2 drops frankincense (carteri)
• 2 drops sacred frankincense (sacra)
• 4 drops helichrysum
• 5 drops cypress
This makes about a 7% dilution which is considered therapeutic strength. Feel free to make your own dilutions that are suitable for your body.
This is the recipe I will be using to treat my own ocular hypertension.
Loving Preparation
Simply add each essential oil to an empty 10ml roll-on bottle and then fill to the shoulder with your favorite carrier oil. Cap closed and roll between the palms to mix.
To Use
Use the roll-on to apply an even layer of oil on the ocular bone all around the eye and on the eyelid. DO NOT get in it the eye as you should NEVER put essential oils in the eye directly.
Apply at least twice daily to help control eye pressure.
You can also apply these recipes to the vita flex points below:
You can learn more about how to use vita flex points properly HERE.
Glaucoma Essential Oil Recipe #2
• 10ml roll-on bottle
• Carrier oil of choice
• 1 drop lemongrass
• 5 drops cypress
• 3 drops eucalyptus radiata
Add the oils to an empty roll-on bottle, fill to the shoulder with carrier oil, cap closed and roll between the palms to mix.
Apply one over the ocular bone and eyelid 1-3 times daily.
Recipe found in Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide pg. 352
Glaucoma Essential Oil Recipe #3
• 10ml roll-on bottle
• Carrier oil of choice
• 4 drops lemon
• 5 drops cypress
• 3 drops eucalyptus radiata
Add the essential oils to an empty roll-on bottle, fill to the shoulder with carrier oil, cap closed and roll between the palms to mix.
Apply to the ocular bone and eyelids 1-3 times daily.
Recipe found in Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide pg. 352
What have been your best essential oils for glaucoma? Please share in the comments below!
You may also enjoy reading:
The Best Remedies for Treating Glaucoma Naturally
Treat PCOS Naturally Using Essential Oils
Essential Oils for Sciatica
The Maximum Dilution for 400 Essential Oils
Raul says
Hi I have not seen any movement after 2019 what happen?
I need help with glaucoma.
thank you
meera says
Hi Tash
Sry for my v late response. Thank you so much for the advice. Also Tash what brand and what dosage of Vitamin C do you take? Some person mentioned Ester C. It is all confusing. Thank you for helping others who are at risk of losing their eyesight.
Maria says
Hi.
My baby is born with glaucoma in both of his eyes. Will these oils helps it to improve the eyes.
Thanks.
Tash says
Hi Maria!
I wouldn't use any of these on him 🙁 I highly recommend seeing a professional for his case.
Angele says
Dear Tash, Finding your blog is a literal answer to prayer! I am so glad you have taken the time to share your real life experiences and done all the time consuming extensive research to help others like myself. I have only been taking 2000 mg of C - going to up that starting tomorrow. I'm new to essential oils and a bit nervous about messing up with them. Appreciate your VERY clear instructions on exact amounts...how to dilute...what carrier oil you use...how long you leave it on...and especially your consistent reminder for folks to use common sense and ensure they are seeing their doctor to monitor everything. I'm at 27L , 33R as of today (4/10/19). Have a second checkup with the scary drops and blue light on 4/19 - in the meantime Im going to keep up with 20-30 min exercise daily, up my C to 3000mg daily, keep eating a nutrient dense diet with Omega 3, 6, Luetin, and hoping to all Bilberry as I've heard great things about that too. I'll definately let you know how its going! You are a God send young lady!!!
Tash says
Hope things went well! Please make sure that you are under the care of a professional while trying this 🙂
Angela says
Hi Tash,
I'm new here and I appreciate this article a lot! When you say you apply the oils all over your eye area, do you mean on your eyelids also..? I read in other places to apply it only to the cheekbones just under the eyes and around the sides, but not near the lids.
Thank you!
Tash says
Hi Angela!
I personally apply it both on the lids and around the eyes but only because it feels comfortable for me 🙂 the frankincense is also a very anti-aging essential oil so I definitely want to reap those benefits as well! If you're worried about any discomfort, just apply it around the eyes.
meera says
Hi Tash
Where is the best place to buy these essential oils pls?
Would you suggest using frankinscence on its own or combining it to reduce high eye pressure.
Thank you
Meera
Tash says
I get my oils on Amazon (the brand I like is Plant Therapy). I usually just use the frankincense as a single oil but please make sure you are under the care of a professional. Eyesight is nothing to play around with!
Barbara says
Hi Tash,
Are you saying the oils really did not help?
Tash says
They did help but I am also taking vitamin C very consistently which is making a greater difference. if you try this, make sure you are under the care of a professional!
betty bargeron says
hi trish,not computer savvy,but here goes .i am dx with open angle glucoma,delighted to have come across your site because i need to get on a routine regime naturally for my eyes again, was taking supplements including vit c. fish oil,lutin astaxanthin, but got off routine,but glad getting back on board.glad to see platforms for alternative treatments. keep us informed. thanks
Tanya says
Thank you very much 🙂
Frank Dawson says
Tash,
Castor oil noted to carry other things deep - and for deep softening.
Have you thoughts/experience with this?.
It is readily absorbed but
Caution: Must be used with care - does not wash out of things.
Tash says
Castor oil near the eyes can be drying if you don't mix it with other carrier oils. If you try these remedies, make sure you are being closely monitored by your optometrist/glaucoma specialist 🙂 You don't want to mess with losing your eyesight!
Belson Opticians says
These seem very essential oils that you shared here for glaucoma treatment. Glaucoma. Glaucoma can be cured with help of some vitamin supplements of vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Zinc. So along with these oils, one should also include certain foods that are nutrient-rich. Some of the good sources of these vitamins like berries, tomatoes, meat, nuts, egg yolk, carrots, apricots, seafood, green leafy vegetables, cucumber, green olives etc serve the best help to treat glaucoma naturally.
Judith Phoenix says
Tash, are you putting all the oils in recipe one in one bottle or using a different bottle for each oil? I have just been diagnosed after 20 years of monitoring. I find your blog very interesting and helpful, thank you. I also see other natural treatments that recommend CoQ10, fish oil, magnesium, and Bilberry, but not Vitamin C. I find that interesting also.
Tash says
Hi Judith!
I make recipe #1 that is in the blog post in a roll-on bottle and use that 🙂 The Vitamin C really does work! I have used it personally and have been able to lower my eye pressure using that method alone. The thing is, you HAVE to stay on top of it. As soon as you stop taking it for a few days, the pressures will rise again.
Ab says
Hi Tash
I am interested in the result of your treatment of glaucoma using essential oils.
My wife has acute glaucoma and eye pressure is about 22-24. I am hoping some positive results with essential oils as her vision is deteriorating
Thanks
Tash says
Hi Ab!
I advise she use the oils under the care of her optometrist 🙂 I also recommend looking into the vitamin C and find out if she can take it. It really helps lower eye pressure!
Christel says
Sorry, I meant Tash, not Trish!
Christel says
Hi again Trish,
I was waiting for your update beginning of September. What was your result? Did your pressure come down?
Tash says
Hi Christel!
My pressure DID come down, but I have been very consistent with taking 2-3,000mg of high-quality vitamin C. I think that is what really helped my numbers go down. Granted it was just 2-3 points, but it was enough for my eye doctor 🙂 Have you seen any improvements?
Christel says
Hi Tash,
thanks for your reply!
I had my appointment today and had one eye drastically improved from 25 to 15 but the other eye went from 25 to 34. Now I am supposed to have laser surgery on that eye. Really can't understand that it worked for one eye and not the other. I do take vitamin C as well plus other eye supporting vitamins. I also eat only organic foods now and exercise daily. My surgery is scheduled for 16th of November and I will try until then to improve my bad eye. Fingers crossed!
Rebecca says
Can you give a link or brand of your "high quality" Vitamin C? Eye appt today said Eye pressure was 26. Trying to calm my panic and see what I need to do for natural remedies!
Tash says
I use this one. I tend to buy the largest bottle they have and take 2-3 daily. I just take it with my meals so it's easy to remember 🙂 Just make sure to talk with your eye doctor and let him know that you want to try the vitamin C and see what he says!
TINS ANN RAMSDEN says
I use 10,000 of Vit C a day to hopefully prevent glaucoma, I am a suspect, I also have been using the oils around the eyes and a ton of other protocols. I created a Private facebook group for those interested in non medical approaches to healing.. were we can openly share ideas and alternatives without being censored for being open minded. So if interested it is Glaucoma Healing Options, it is private, not selling anything..the support group for glaucoma is so fear based and medical oriented and if you talk about alternative medicine you get shamed for expressing alternative medicine.
Christel says
Hi Tash,
Any idea how long it takes for the oils to start working? I have been using helichrysum, frankincense and cypress in castor oil for 4 weeks and had my doctors appointment today. Strangely my pressure had gone from 23 to 27. Any idea why that could have happened? I eat very healthy, mainly vegetarian and exercise daily for 1hr. I also take vitamins for my eyes, lutein etc.
Your feedback would be very much appreciated. Any suggestion which oils would be best to reduce pressure?
Many thanks,
Christel
Christel says
would you be so nice telling me how long you leave on any of the mixed oils after application with the roll on.
Thank you!
Tash says
Hi Christel!
I apply them and leave them on until I wash my face in the morning and evening. I like to make sure that the essential oils have plenty of time to do their work. However, you could wipe them off after about an hour if you needed to since most of the medicinal properties will be absorbed by then.
Christel says
Thanks Tash, very helpful! Hopefully I will see good results next month. Really appreciate all the info!
Rebecca says
Which of the Roller ball recipes do you use regularly?
Tash says
Recipe #1 🙂
debbie says
would you kindly make a slight change to your website by making the font a darker gray or black and a heavier/thicker font. The recent trend to have lighlter fonts on websites in lighter colors is paramount to discrimination against those of us with eye/visin problems. This trend is widespread and it makes it very difficult to read information on the page.
thank you
Robin V. says
Sorry about the diagnosis. Hope your blend helps you.
Tash says
Thanks Robin! I hope it does too 🙂
Trish says
Has it helped? I am interested in trying recipe #1 for my ocular hypertension of 20 and 24. Prescription drops are so drying and irritating.....
Tash says
Hi Trish!
Yes! it has helped! I was able to lower my eye pressure by about 3-4 points in each eye. Keep in mind that I take 2-3,000mg of high-quality vitamin C per day as well as a good fish oil. I also apply recipe #1 to my entire eye area morning and night (you only need a small amount so it isn't too oily).
As long as you are very diligent with taking the vitamin C, you will see a reduction in eye pressure. The results will only last for as long as you are taking Vitamin C, so I always make sure to have it on hand. I much prefer taking Vitamin C than using the drops, personally and using the eye serum is really easy as I just add it to my morning and night routine. Perhaps you should speak with your eye doctor to see if they are willing to do a trial? This is what I did and my eye doctor was nice enough to see if the vitamin C would work for me. We began to see results in just two weeks 🙂
This is just what has worked for me and everyone is different. You will first want to ensure you can take vitamin C and fish oil safely depending on any medicines you may be taking.
Phyllis Kaufman says
Why wouldn't these same essential oils work for open angle glaucoma? You seem to imply that they don't.
Thanks.
Tash says
Hi Phyllis!
Good eye 😉 I just updated the article to include that bit since I missed it!
Anita says
Hi Trish,
Thank you for sharing this great and helpful information. You mentioned "high quality vitamin C". Can you share which brand do you use?
Thank you so much,
Anita
Tash says
Hi Anita!
I use Ester-C Vitamin C Tablets : https://amzn.to/2Imhuop 🙂 You can also use the Vitamin C by New Chapter or the Vitamin C by Mega Foods!