Prevent and Support Glaucoma: The Silent Thief

Glaucoma- The Silent ThiefJanuary is Glaucoma Awareness Month—a time to shed light on an eye disease that is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the US. Seniors are especially at risk. Glaucoma, often dubbed “the silent thief,” primarily impacts peripheral vision. Severe and untreated cases can lead to blindness. This stealthy eye disease can progress unnoticed until it is quite advanced, making early detection vital. While it predominantly affects older adults, glaucoma can occur at any age, underscoring the importance of regular, comprehensive eye exams. Find out about symptoms, screening, causes, and nutrients that fight glaucoma.

Glaucoma Facts

In the United States, around 4.22 million individuals are affected by glaucoma, with 1.49 million experiencing vision impairment due to the condition. 

It’s estimated that 2.4 million people in the country have glaucoma that remains undiagnosed and untreated. 

For those aged 40 and above, 2.56% are living with glaucoma, and 0.91% have glaucoma that impacts their vision. 

As the population ages, the number of individuals affected by glaucoma is anticipated to rise. 

One in every 180 adults experiences vision loss due to glaucoma.

70% of the vision lost to glaucoma occurs before diagnosis.

Vision loss from glaucoma can be influenced by several factors, such as:

  • restricted access to eye care
  • financial barriers to obtaining necessary treatments
  • the presence of other chronic health conditions
  • family history of glaucoma, 
  • lack of education about the disease, its causes, and the importance of early intervention

Glaucoma Screening

Measuring eye pressure is an essential part of an eye exam, and three main methods are used.

Slit lamp: The most accurate method involves flattening a part of the cornea to measure the force required. As a patient, you’ll receive numbing eye drops and a fine strip of paper with orange dye may be used to stain the front of your eye. You’ll rest your chin and forehead on a slit lamp to keep your head steady, and you’ll need to keep your eyes open, looking straight ahead. The healthcare provider will use blue light to make the dye glow green, allowing them to adjust the machine and read the pressure. This method is painless and precise.

Handheld tonometer: Another method uses a handheld device resembling a pen. After numbing drops are applied, the device gently touches the cornea to instantly record the eye pressure. This method is quick and comfortable, providing an efficient alternative to the slit lamp procedure.

Air Puff: The “air puff” test involves resting your chin on a device. You will stare straight into the examining device, and a tiny beam of light reflects off your cornea. A puff of air will slightly flatten the cornea, and the device calculates eye pressure based on how the light beam moves. This method is non-invasive and provides a quick assessment of eye pressure.

Glaucoma Types

Ninety percent of glaucoma is called “Open-Angle Glaucoma”, where the intraocular eye pressure (IOP) remains above the normal range, which is typically 8-21 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). There are other variables that can vary this normal range. For example, if you have a thick cornea, the normal range may be higher than 21 mmHg, whereas if you have a thin cornea, then the normal range may be lower.

The good news is that if caught early, the conventional treatment typically uses prescription eyedrops to lower the IOP. For many patients, this can be effective, though for some, there can be several side effects. However, conventional treatmens for glaucoma have overlooked how well the optic nerve is being nourished. At Natural Eye Care, we take into account the vitamins, minerals and other substances that are crucial for eye health.

There are many glaucoma cases, for example, where the IOP is in the normal or even below normal range, but negative changes continue to occur in vision, similar to if the IOP remained higher than normal. This can be attributed to several variables, including essential nutrients not being available or reaching the optic nerves. This is essentially a form of “starvation” of the optic nerve and a breakdown in optic nerve cells. The eye doctor may see a thinning of the optic nerve cells or increased “cupping” of the optic nerves.

There are hundreds of peer-reviewed studies providing specific support for targeted nutrients to:

  • help protect and support the optic nerves
  • help overall vision
  • promote healthy circulation to the back of the eyes
  • help to lower IOP naturally. 

These studies are in the Ophthalmology journals but are rarely incorporated into treatment strategies. Essential antioxidants for glaucoma include: taurine, alpha lipoic acid, n-acetyl-cysteine, vitamin C, a vitamin B complex, magnesium, pine bark, gingko biloba, bilberry, essential fatty acids and Vitamin A and Vitamin D3.

Alpha lipoic acid – Oxidative stress has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma.  ALA, and its reduced form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), scavenge ROS and reactive nitrogen species,1  repair oxidized proteins and lipids, and regenerate endogenous antioxidants. 2

The impact of ALA treatment on the various outcome measures monitored in the two studies indicates the magnitude of oxidative stress’s contribution to the pathogenesis of glaucoma. This is important information for therapy; oxidative stress contributes significantly to  glaucoma pathology and should be utilized in treatment plans.

In open-angle glaucoma, patients given 150mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid daily, 45-47% of the eyes resulted in better color visual fields and visual sensitivity than controls.3

Alpha Lipoic Acid researchers found that lipoic acid may be helpful in glaucoma treatment and may prevent ischemic optic nerve damage. 4

Good food sources: Red meat, especially organ meats like liver and kidney, spinach, Brussels sprout, broccoli, beets, tomato, yams, potatoes, beets, rice bran and Brewer’s yeast.

Catechins are readily absorbed in the body. They are able to cross the blood-brain barrier. They may support blood flow regulation through modulating vasodilation.5 6 Therefore, they may be helpful in glaucoma therapy. They also help improve the functioning of mitochondria, the energy producers of cells.7

The epigallocatechin gallate subgroup of the catechins has been researched extensively in recent years. They have a neuroprotective effect that may be useful for glaucoma,8 may reduce neovascularization,9 and have an anti-clotting benefit.10

Good Food Sources: Catechins are especially abundant in cocoa and chocolate, but you should limit the quantity. They are found in abundance in dark plums and broad beans, such as fava beans. They are also found in pecans, red wine, strawberries, apples, peaches, and black grapes. 

Curcumin has a neuroprotective effect against oxidative damage to the optic nerve in vitro and in an animal model. In one study, microglia cell tissue (a kind of cell that protects nerve cells) was exposed to oxidative stress and was protected to a degree that was statistically significant. In animals, mild IOP was induced. In animals that had been given curcumin, the degree of protection was significant.11

Gingko Biloba has been shown to clinically improve visual field indices, possibly due to the increased ocular blood flow benefits. Benefits resulted in 4 weeks supplementing with 120 mg-of ginkgo biloba daily.12

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is an anti-aging nutrient. This chemical occurs naturally in the body, but levels drop in seniors. NMN serves as a primary precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a vital enzyme involved in numerous essential cellular functions, such as DNA repair, metabolism, and cell growth and survival. NAM (found in NMN) was very effective in decreasing glaucomatous damage in animal models. At the higher dose, there was a decrease in the level of IOP elevation as well, making its action a two-pronged approach to helping treat glaucoma.13

Decreased serum levels of nicotinamide (NAM), which is a precursor of NAD, has also been documented in glaucoma patients and in the retina. Mitochondrial abnormalities that lead up to it have been identified in both animal models14  and glaucoma patients.15 An increase in mitochondrial size and motility, in addition to a simultaneous dampening of the action potential firing frequency, have also been documented as related to mitochondrial functioning.16

Super Oxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase – Helps reduce oxidate stress. Patients with glaucoma exhibit heightened activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase in their aqueous humor but they tend to have low levels of antioxidants.17

Vitamin C – Vitamin C generally supports optic nerve health in its antioxidant capacity. Although blood levels of vitamin C are apparently not correlated to glaucoma incidence, supplementation with vitamin C is connected to a lower risk of glaucoma.18 Researchers consistently found a marked relationship between lower blood vitamin C levels and certain genetic risk factors for glaucoma.19 It assists in the absorption of other nutrients such as lutein, and together, they support the formation of the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which, in turn, has been associated with a lower risk of developing glaucoma.20 

Good Food Sources: Oranges, strawberries, black currants, peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, potatoes.

Vitamin E – Neuroprotection by Vitamin E in Glaucoma Compared with controls, subjects given vitamin E showed a statistically significant reduction in the visual field with neuroprotective benefits.21

Good Food Sources: Wheat germ and wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, avocados, mango, peanuts and brazil nuts, safflower oil, rice bran, barley, oats, beet greens, spinach, asparagus, red bell pepper, pumpkin.

Vitamin B12 – Patients with glaucoma who received vitamin B12 treatment for more than five years showed improved visual acuity and better overall management of their condition.22

Good Food Sources: Salmon, tuna oysters, clams, beef liver and organ meats, red meat, poultry, eggs, yogurt, fortified nutritional yeast.

Magnesium. Patients with from open-angle glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma who were given magnesium twice daily showed reduced peripheral vasospasms and visual field improvement.

Good Food Sources: Whole grains, nuts (particularly cashews, almonds, and Brazil nuts), seeds (flax, pumpkin, and chia seeds for example), avocados, tofu, legumes, bananas, whole grains, green, leafy vegetables.

N-acetyl cysteine, which is a key component of glutathione, may help neutralize reactive oxygen species in the trabecula meshwork that contributes to open-angle glaucoma.23

Good Food Sources: Beef, chicken, eggs, and whole grains. The body can also produce some cysteine by combining the amino acids serine and methionine.

Resveratrol with Quercetin –  The antioxidant properties of resveratrol might contribute to the protection of retinal ganglion cells. Researchers found that when these nerve cells were exposed to intraocular pressure in a mouse model, resveratrol supplementation reduced damage in retinal thickness and protected against cell death.24 25 Another study found that a combination of resveratrol and quercetin reduced intraocular pressure in an animal model.26 Improving microcirculation in the eye may help prevent glaucoma.

Quercetin protects retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma models, independent of lowering intraocular pressure.27 

Taurine is an amino acid concentrated in the eye and found in the optic nerve. It may help counter excess levels of nerve-damaging glutamate in the body. An acute dose has been clinically shown to promote blood flow during oxidative stress by restoring vessels’ dilation ability.28

Good Food Sources: Shellfish, turkey, beef, eggs, chicken, dairy.

Vitamin A, B1 and Magnesium – The Rotterdam Study involving more than 3,500 participants over age 55 found that a low consumption of vitamin A-related nutrients, vitamin B1, and a high magnesium intake were linked to increased risk of developing open-angle glaucoma.29

Learn about our Vision Diet which incorporates many of the suggested foods above in a balanced nutrition program.

At Natural Eye Care, our mission is to help support healthy vision by providing guidance along the holistic nutritional, dietary and lifestyle path. Our strategies and recommendations are based on peer review studies and optometrist Marc Grossman’s 45+ years of patient experience. Our website offers information for helping educate yourself in over 40 eye conditions, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes, eye floaters, and more. The body’s whole health is inextricably connected to the eyes’ health. We believe in supporting healthy vision in the context of the whole body’s health.

Our next blog post will discuss natural ways to help lower intraocular pressure.

Check out more glaucoma articles:

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month! Stay informed with our series of articles covering essential topics on glaucoma. Check out all four posts below:

Regulate Intraocular Pressure Naturally: Fight Glaucoma

Oxidative Stress and Its Impact on Health and Vision

Neuroinflammation and Glaucoma: Bridging Brain Health and Vision

Suggested Supplements

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


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

NMN Wonderfeel Capsul 60 vegcaps

Recommended Books

Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing

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

 

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