The first month of the year is recognized as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. In acknowledgment of shoppers who have loved ones with glaucoma, or who have it themselves, we look at this condition and examine four apt supplements that could work against it.
A Look at Glaucoma
Do you or someone you care about have glaucoma? If so, you know something about its ill effects. The month of January is recognized as National Glaucoma Awareness Month by the National Eye Institute. More than 4 million people in the USA have glaucoma, and roughly half are unaware of it! A basic understanding of this condition is worth having, because in most cases, there are no symptoms of glaucoma in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, prevention and regular eye exams by your healthcare provider are prudent steps to take. These are especially important for those at increased risk of glaucoma, namely, individuals over 60 and individuals with a family history of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a progressive condition caused by the buildup of aqueous humor, fluid that is produced within the eye, because it does not properly drain from the eye after it is produced. This causes intraocular pressure to build within the eye. This pressure slowly damages the optic nerve by killing optic nerve fibers, of which there are millions. Open-angle glaucoma is the preeminent type of glaucoma, and it causes gradual damage that is symptomless at first. It must be identified by an eye doctor in order to treat it and prevent permanent vision loss Angle-closure glaucoma is a less common, acute and more aggressive condition which impairs vision, and causes pain and headache; This condition necessitates immediate medical attention to prevent blindness, and is not the focus of the rest of this article.
Prevention is key with glaucoma. Regular eye exams, wearing eye protection when necessary, and taking eye drops regularly can all help prevent glaucoma.
Supplements for Glaucoma
Research shows that nutrition and diet play a role in the prevention of glaucoma. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the right nutrient supplements could help lower risk of glaucoma, and possibly slow the progression of glaucoma. See how these supplements could prevent and/or work against glaucoma:
Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin that is instrumental in reducing the effects of aging, and it has physiological benefits to vascular health and the immune system, which could help prevent glaucoma. A supplement to increase your bodily vitamin D levels can slow cellular aging and reduce chronic inflammation, which benefits the internal environment of the eyes. Consider a vitamin D supplement if you have glaucoma.
CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) provides cellular benefits, and evidence suggests that it can slow the progression of glaucoma. CoQ10 helps by protecting cellular mitochondria and has the potential to help save retinal ganglion cells.
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement containing polyphenols with neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. These increase blood flow and help stabilize cellular mitochondria, and research shows that these can slow the progression of visual field loss in individuals with glaucoma.
Resveratrol is another plant polyphenol with neuroprotective effects. Evidence suggests it could slow the progression of open-angle glaucoma. Research shows resveratrol is linked to a decrease in inflammatory markers and cellular senescence markers, which would indicate the progression of open-angle glaucoma. Resveratrol can promote mitochondrial function and preserve cells.
The evidence suggests that if you (or someone you know) has glaucoma, these supplements can make a positive difference if used properly. It is recommended that you speak to your healthcare provider about any supplement first before adding it to your daily nutritional regimen.