The Effect Of Nutrition On Glaucoma

There is a common question that patients ask their Optometrists: what they can do themselves to glaucoma, except take their daily medication? There is no evidence that a specific diet influences glaucoma. The evidence for the impact of Vitamins B1, C, A, E, and B12 on glaucoma is mixed. Some evidence suggests that a high intake of vitamin B through dietary sources (meat, chicken, fish, tuna, salmon, citrus, banana, watermelon, avocados, potatoes,…), including green leafy vegetables, may reduce the risk of some types of glaucoma. Many studies are being conducted to identify the potential role of Ginkgo Biloba Extract (GBE) effect on patients with glaucoma. Even though GBE appears to increase ocular blood flow, however evidence is lacking regarding its effect on clinical outcomes in glaucoma patients such as visual field performance.

A study on the effects of consumption of coffee on Open-angle Glaucoma suggested that coffee consumption may increase the risk of Open-angle Glaucoma in particular among men. The study compared a group of coffee drinkers with a control group of non-drinkers. A 2014 Cornell study suggests that a cup of coffee per day may be beneficial for your eye health. It helps prevent blindness from retinal degeneration related to glaucoma, aging, and diabetes. It appeared that coffee protects the retina thanks to the antioxidant Chlorogenic acid present in raw coffee.

Flavonoids are sourced from plants, commonly found in green tea, red wine, chocolate, and cocoa, have neuroprotective and antioxidant characteristics proposed to be advantageous within the context of glaucoma. More studies are still required for evidence, however, Flavonoid was revealed to have a promising role in improving visual function in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension and appears to play a part in both improving and slowing the progression of visual field loss. Although these therapies seem promising, studies (including larger populations and longer follow-up) need to be furthered to provide evidence that treatments derived from flavonoid compounds may be of benefit in preventing visual loss from glaucoma.

Evidence from a study that goes beyond the observation and includes control groups is still awaited. However, sound dietary advice to glaucoma patients would be to maintain a normal weight, avoid excessive coffee consumption, and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, patients should be advised that nutritional management may complement, but would not substitute conventional glaucoma treatment.