Can Collagen Reduce Glaucoma Risk?

collagen powderCollagen can help reduce the risk of eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Connective tissue is made up primarily of collagen. This scaffolding provides elasticity and strength to the tendons, bones, ligaments, and skin. The eyes depend on collagen to function properly. As we age, we produce less collagen. This causes wrinkles in the skin. Losing collagen leads to an eye condition in middle age called “presbyopia” – a longer focal distance. Adding collagen may improve the elasticity of the eye. This article explores the research on collagen and glaucoma.

How collagen is synthesized in the body

The Eyes Depend on Collagen

Collagen structures are found throughout the eyes. The connective tissues of the eyes can be divided into specific types.1

Cornea

A transparent tissue containing fine collagen fibers of uniform diameter with a high degree of spatial organization.

Lens Capsule

Encompasses the lens. Has an apparently amorphous basement membrane structure.

Sclera

An opaque tissue containing thick interwoven collagen fibers.

Vitreous Gel Body

A polysaccharide gel containing small amounts of fine collagen fibers.

Retina

The retinal pigmented epithelium is a typical thin basement membrane.

Choroid

A highly vascularized tissue of the iris.

Collagen and Glaucoma Risk

Biomechanics and genetic research suggest that collagen mutations could contribute to the development of glaucoma. These mutations may affect the mechanical properties of tissues. In the eye, collagen mutations might lead to increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow and elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP). And, in theory, collagen mutation could be a cause of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Previous studies have found that collagen tissues create changes in glaucoma patients, such as biomechanical changes in the trabecular meshwork, 2 thinner sclera, and laminar cribrosa. 3 4 The trabecular meshwork is the primary area of the eye located between the iris and cornea where the aqueous fluid drains out. When the trabecular meshwork gets “clogged”, then outflow is slower than the inflow of fluid. This results in increased eye pressure (intraocular pressure or IOP). If not treated, high eye pressure can damage vision over time. Glaucoma particularly damages peripheral vision. Symptoms often go unnoticed by the patient until significant damage is done. The trabecular meshwork constitutes the major regulated ocular outflow pathway in adult human eyes.5

Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and Collagen

Previous studies have suggested that biomechanical and molecular changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the trabecular meshwork occur as you age. One study assumed that changes in collagen, as the main component of ECM in the trabecular meshwork, may be involved in increased aqueous humor outflow resistance and elevation of IOP.

One study found that the stiffness and changes in elasticity of glaucomatous trabecular meshwork significantly increased, which resulted from dysregulation of ECM6, resulting in decreased outflow from the eye.

The sclera, the white part of the eye, has a collagen-rich ECM, and collagen constitutes 90% of scleral dry weight.7 Variations of collagen, including its thickness, may lead to inter-individual differences in scleral material properties. This may affect the outflow of aqueous fluid, impacting intraocular pressure. 8

Decreased collagen density in the peripapillary sclera was found in glaucoma, 9 as well as in high myopia eyes, where the sclera is elongated and thinned, resulting in an increased risk of developing POAG (Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma).

The laminar cribrosa region within the optic nerve head is the primary site where retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons are affected in glaucoma.10 11 This area is especially susceptible to damage caused by prolonged elevated eye pressure. Composed mainly of collagen types I, III, IV, V, and VI, the lamina cribrosa undergoes age-related changes that can impact its function, ultimately contributing to optic nerve degeneration associated with glaucoma.12

Laboratory studies on animals have demonstrated that the organization of collagen fibrils within the optic nerve head may impact the flexibility and resilience needed by the lamina cribrosa to support optic nerve fibers.13 In patients with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma, the composition of collagen molecules in the lamina cribrosa shows significant alterations compared to normal eyes.14 This suggests that a primary disturbance in collagen could play a role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.

High Myopia and Glaucoma

Evidence from a meta-analysis strongly suggests that individuals with myopia face a two-to-threefold increased risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).15 16 Those who are highly myopic are also at greater risk for vitreous tears and detachments, retinal tears and detachments, development of macular holes and/or retinal puckers, particularly as one passes 50+ years of age. Thinning of existing collagen fiber bundles has also been observed in myopic eyes.

How to Increase Collagen

As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen. This is clearly evident in visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, as well as more subtle eye diseases. While there are many skin creams, lotions, and liquids marketed for improving skin, these products are not designed for use in or around the eyes. Misusing them can cause harm to your eyes, so always follow the package directions carefully.

There is no evidence to support the idea that collagen applied to the surface of the skin is absorbed by the body. Furthermore, there are no collagen eye drops available, meaning you need to obtain additional collagen through other methods.

Food and Supplements to Increase Collagen

One way to boost collagen levels is by taking it internally. While research on collagen supplementation shows mixed results, some studies suggest that it can be beneficial. At Natural Eye Care, we offer Collagen Peptides for Skin & Joints, a powder supplement that mixes easily into beverages. This highly digestible product provides three different types of collagen, making it a convenient option for supporting your skin and joint health.

Nutritional approaches to building collagen include:

  • Eat a diet rich in protein, vitamin C, and zinc.
  • Limit excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates.
  • Include bone broth, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and berries in your diet.

More About Glaucoma

We have written a number of articles in the past related to glaucoma and natural ways to help preserve vision.

Suggested Supplements

Collagen Peptides for Skin & Joints (L40808)

Dr. Grossman’s Circulation and Optic Nerve Support Formula

Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps – our foundation eye formula which is a whole food, organic, GMO free formulation.

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps – with lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, taurine and astaxanthin.

Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi1 20 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply

ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – based on classic Chinese medicine Liver tonic formula to help support healthy circulation and blood flow throughout the eyes and body.

Dr. Grossman’s Vitamin C Plant-Based Formula – 60 caps

NMN Wonderfeel Capsul 60 vegcaps

OmegaGenics™ EPA-DHA 720 Lemon 120 gels – also available in 240 gelcaps or liquid.

H2 Elite Molecular Hydrogen 30 tabs

Packages

Optic Nerve Support Package B – combination of supplements to promote and support optic nerve health

Optic Nerve Eye Pressure Support Package 1

Recommended Books

Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Other Related Diseases Naturally

Natural Parkinson’s Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Parkinson’s

  1. https://www.nature.com/articles/eye198734.pdf ↩
  2. Last JA, Pan T, Ding Y, et al. Elastic modulus determination of normal and glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52:2147–52. doi: 10.1167/iovs.10-6342. ↩
  3. Quigley HA, Dorman-Pease ME, Brown AE. Quantitative study of collagen and elastin of the optic nerve head and sclera in human and experimental monkey glaucoma. Curr Eye Res. 1991;10:877–88. doi: 10.3109/02713689109013884. ↩
  4. Jonas JB, Berenshtein E, Holbach L. Anatomic relationship between lamina cribrosa, intraocular space, and cerebrospinal fluid space. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:5189–95. doi: 10.1167/iovs.03-0174. ↩
  5. Tamm ER. The trabecular meshwork outflow pathways: structural and functional aspects. Exp Eye Res. 2009;88:648–55. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2009.02.007. ↩
  6. Last JA, Pan T, Ding Y, et al. Elastic modulus determination of normal and glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52:2147–52. doi: 10.1167/iovs.10-6342. ↩
  7. McBrien NA, Metlapally R, Jobling AI, Gentle A. Expression of collagen-binding integrin receptors in the mammalian sclera and their regulation during the development of myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47:4674–82. doi: 10.1167/iovs.05-1150. ↩
  8. Norman RE, Flanagan JG, Sigal IA, et al. Finite element modeling of the human sclera: influence on optic nerve head biomechanics and connections with glaucoma. Exp Eye Res. 2011;93:4–12. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2010.09.014 ↩
  9. Quigley HA, Dorman-Pease ME, Brown AE. Quantitative study of collagen and elastin of the optic nerve head and sclera in human and experimental monkey glaucoma. Curr Eye Res. 1991;10:877–88. doi: 10.3109/02713689109013884. ↩
  10. Quigley HA. Glaucoma. Lancet. 2011;377:1367–77. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61423-7 ↩
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  13. Sawaguchi S, Yue BY, Fukuchi T, et al. Collagen fibrillar network in the optic nerve head of normal monkey eyes and monkey eyes with laser-induced glaucoma – a scanning electron microscopic study. Curr Eye Res. 1999;18:143–49. doi: 10.1076/ceyr.18.2.143 ↩
  14. Tengroth B, Ammitzboll T. Changes in the content and composition of collagen in the glaucomatous eye – basis for a new hypothesis for the genesis of chronic open angle glaucoma – a preliminary report. Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh) 1984;62:999–1008. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.1984.tb08452.x ↩
  15. Marcus MW, de Vries MM, Montolio FG, Jansonius NM. Myopia as a risk factor for open-angle glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2011;118:1989–94. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.03.012 ↩
  16. Detry-Morel M. Is myopia a risk factor for glaucoma? J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:392–95. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2011.03.009. ↩