A study on efficacy of homoeopathic medicines on 12 patients with secondary glaucoma due to closed globe trauma

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Secondary glaucoma is a major complication following closed globe trauma. It is clinically manifested by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), that affect optic nerve and lead to loss of visual field. Conventional treatment often focuses on managing IOP through medications or surgery, but there is growing interest in alternative treatments, such as homeopathy, for their non-invasive nature and potential to stimulate the body's self-healing processes.

Practitioners of homeopathy dilute substances to extremely low concentrations, following the belief that similar symptoms to a disease can treat that disease. While traditionally used in various conditions, its efficacy in ophthalmic diseases, particularly secondary glaucoma, remains underexplored.

This study examines the effects of individualized homeopathic treatments on secondary glaucoma in patients with a history of closed globe trauma.

METHODS

Study Design

This is a prospective, observational open label study conducted over a period of 1 months with period of weekly follow up. A total of 12 patients, diagnosed with secondary glaucoma following closed globe trauma, were enrolled in the study.

Patient Selection Criteria

Inclusion criteria:

Patients aged 18 to 60 years.

Diagnosed with secondary glaucoma after closed globe trauma.

Willingness to participate and provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria:

History of pre-existing glaucoma.

Recent ocular surgeries within the last 12 months.

Patients with severe systemic conditions that may interfere with treatment outcomes.

Homeopathic Treatment Protocol

Each patient received individualized homeopathic remedies based on their specific symptoms, medical history, and overall constitution. Remedies were selected after comprehensive case analysis, and follow-up visits were scheduled every two weeks.

Commonly prescribed homeopathic medicines for secondary glaucoma included Phosphorus, Osmium, Belladonna, and Bryonia. Potencies ranged from 30C to 200C, and patients were advised on dosage according to symptom severity.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome: Reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry.

Secondary Outcomes: Visual acuity (measured with a Snellen chart), optic nerve function (assessed by visual field testing), and patient-reported symptoms (such as eye pain, blurring of vision, etc.).

Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The researchers used paired t-tests to evaluate differences in intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity measurements taken before and after treatment.

RESULT

Of the 12 patients, 12 completed the study. Baseline IOP ranged from 24 to 35 mmHg. After one months of individualized homeopathic treatment, 8 patients showed significant reduction in IOP, with an average reduction of 8 mmHg (p<0.05). Visual acuity improved significantly in 7 patients, while the other 5 showed mild to moderate improvement.

Patient-reported symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, congestion, eye pain and photophobia, decreased notably in 10 patients while the other 2 showed mild to moderate improvement. Visual field testing showed no further damage to the optic nerve in most cases, suggesting the treatment may have helped stabilize the progression of glaucoma

CONCLUSION.

This study provides preliminary evidence that individualized homeopathic treatment may reduce intraocular pressure and stabilize visual function in patients with secondary glaucoma after closed globe trauma. Given the promising outcomes, further research is warranted to explore homeopathy’s role as a complementary therapy for secondary glaucoma management