Glaucoma and nutrition: the role of vitamins and nutrients in maintaining the health of the eyes
Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, often (but not always) associated with increased intraocular pressure (IPD). If not treated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible loss of vision. Although drug treatment, laser therapy and surgery are the main methods of treating glaucoma, the growing volume of research emphasizes the potential role of nutrition and, in particular, vitamins and other nutrients in maintaining the health of the eyes and, possibly, slowing down the progression of the disease. It is important to note that vitamins and additives are not a replacement for traditional methods of treating glaucoma, but should be considered as an addition to them, after consulting an ophthalmologist.
Understanding oxidative stress and glaucoma
Oxidative stress caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to neutralize them, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues, including optic cells. Antioxidants, such as vitamins and minerals, help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Powerful antioxidant
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Studies have shown that patients with glaucoma often have a lower level of vitamin C in watery moisture (fluid filling the front chamber of the eye).
- The mechanism of action: Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, thereby protecting the optic nerve cells from damage. It also participates in the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of the eye.
- Research: Some studies show that the use of products rich in vitamin C, or intake of additives with vitamin C can help reduce IOA in some patients with glaucoma. However, the results of these studies are not always unambiguous, and additional studies are needed to confirm these conclusions.
- Recommendations: The recommended daily dose of vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. Good sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, pepper and leaf green vegetables. Reception of additives with vitamin C should be discussed with a doctor, as high doses can cause side effects.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Protection of cell membranes
Vitamin E is a fat -soluble vitamin that also has antioxidant properties. It protects cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals.
- The mechanism of action: Vitamin E protects lipids in cell membranes from oxidation, thereby preventing cell damage. It can also improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
- Research: Some studies have shown that vitamin E can help protect the visual nerve from damage caused by glaucoma. However, as in the case of vitamin C, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
- Recommendations: The recommended daily dose of vitamin E is 15 mg. Good sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. Reception of additives with vitamin E should also be discussed with a doctor, as high doses can interact with some drugs.
Vitamin A (retinol) and beta-carotene: Health of the cornea and retina
Vitamin A is necessary to maintain the health of the cornea and retina. Beta-carotene is the predecessor of vitamin A, which the body can transform into vitamin A.
- The mechanism of action: Vitamin A is involved in the formation of rhodopsin, the pigment necessary for vision in low illumination. It also helps to maintain the health of epithelial cells, including cornea cells.
- Research: Although vitamin A deficiency can lead to vision problems, there is no convincing evidence that taking additives with vitamin A or beta-carotene can help prevent or slow down the progression of glaucoma. However, maintaining a sufficient level of vitamin A is important for the overall health of the eyes.
- Recommendations: The recommended daily dose of vitamin A is 900 μg for men and 700 μg for women. Good sources of vitamin A are liver, egg yolk and dairy products. Good sources of beta-carotene are carrots, sweet potatoes and dark green leafy vegetables. Excessive consumption of vitamin A should be avoided, especially from additives, as this can lead to toxicity.
B vitamins B: neuroprotation and supporting the optic nerve
B vitamins play an important role in the functioning of the nervous system, including the visual nerve. Some vitamins of group B, such as vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxin), can have a neuroprotective effect.
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to damage to the optic nerve. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of myelin, a protective membrane surrounding the nerve fibers.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin): Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters necessary for the transfer of nerve impulses. It can also help reduce homocysteine, amino acids, the high level of which is associated with an increased risk of glaucoma development.
- Other B vitamins B: Other group B vitamins, such as vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin), also play an important role in maintaining the health of the nervous system and can have a neuroprotective effect.
- Research: Some studies have shown that taking additives with B vitamins can help protect the visual nerve from damage caused by glaucoma. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
- Recommendations: Recommended daily doses of B vitamins vary. Good sources of group B vitamins are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, whole grain products, legumes and nuts.
Luthein and Zeaksanthin: Protection of the Makula and retina
Luthein and Zeaksantin are carotenoids that concentrate in Makula, the central part of the retina, responsible for acute vision. They have antioxidant properties and help protect the macula from damage caused by blue light and oxidative stress.
- The mechanism of action: Luthein and zeaxantin absorb blue light, which can damage the retinal cells. They also neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting the macula from oxidative stress.
- Research: Studies have shown that sufficient consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin can help reduce the risk of developing age -related macular degeneration (VMD), another eye disease associated with damage to the macula. Although there is no direct evidence that Luthein and Zeaxantin can prevent or slow down the progression of glaucoma, they can help maintain the general health of the retina and protect it from damage.
- Recommendations: There is no established recommended daily dose of lutein and zexanthin, but most experts recommend consuming at least 6-10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zexanthin per day. The good sources of Luthein and Zeaksanthin are dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage and sheet cabbage.
Omega-3 fatty acids: anti-inflammatory effect and support of the health of the retina
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties and play an important role in maintaining the health of the retina.
- The mechanism of action: Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA (non-achexaenoic acid), are important structural components of the retinal cells. They also help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation in the eye.
- Research: Some studies have shown that the use of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, or the intake of additives with omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk of glaucoma. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
- Recommendations: The recommended daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids varies. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), linen seeds, chia seeds and walnuts.
Other useful nutrients
- Coenzim Q10 (COQ10): Coenzym Q10 is an antioxidant that is involved in the production of energy in cells. Some studies have shown that COQ10 can help protect the visual nerve from damage.
- Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba is a plant extract that can improve blood circulation and have a neuroprotective effect. Some studies have shown that ginkgo bilobe can help improve vision in patients with glaucoma.
- Magnesium: Magnesium plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system and can help reduce IOP in some patients with glaucoma.
Important warnings
- Consultation with a doctor: Before you start taking any vitamins or additives, especially in high doses, you need to consult an ophthalmologist. Vitamins and additives can interact with the drugs that you take and can have side effects.
- Do not replace treatment: Vitamins and additives are not a replacement for traditional methods of treating glaucoma, such as drug treatment, laser therapy and surgical intervention.
- Quality of additives: It is important to choose high -quality vitamins and additives from reliable manufacturers.
- Individual needs: The needs for vitamins and nutrients can vary depending on the age, gender, state of health and other factors.
Conclusion
Food plays an important role in maintaining the health of the eyes, and some vitamins and nutrients can help protect the visual nerve from damage caused by glaucoma. Vitamins C and E, LUTEIN and ZEAKSANANTIN, Omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins are only some of the nutrients that can be useful for patients with glaucoma. However, it is important to remember that vitamins and additives are not a replacement for traditional methods of treating glaucoma, and they should only be used as an addition to them, after consulting an ophthalmologist. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and rejection of smoking, is also important for maintaining the health of the eyes and reducing the risk of glaucoma.