I would like to know if anyone here has had success with any dietary supplements or other food related lifestyle changes for managing glaucoma.
Yes, absolutely. Many individuals, including members of the FitEyes community, have reported benefits from incorporating specific dietary supplements. I have personally had excellent success with supplements. In some cases, supplements add to the benefits of prescribed medications, and in some cases (such as currently in the area of neuroprotection) supplements can offer benefits where pharmaceuticals have not yet proven to be safe and efficacious. In many cases, supplements can be life-changing.
There are multiple areas where supplements are of great interest to anyone living with glaucoma. Here are some of the top ones:
- Intraocular pressure (IOP): IOP is the #1 medical risk factor for glaucoma. There are multiple supplements that have shown clinical evidence for lowering intraocular pressure. I won't list them all here, but some of the top choices include PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide), CBG (cannabigerol), Forskolin + Rutin, Baicalein/Baicalin (from Chinese Skullcap), Melatonin, Omega-3 fatty acids, Pine Bark Extract + Bilberry Extract, and more. You can see more at Various Natural Compounds of Interest In Supporting Healthy Intraocular Pressure.
- Neuroprotection: IOP management alone is not sufficient for managing glaucoma and neuroprotection is emerging as the next major focus in glaucoma care. Dietary supplements currently represent the most accessible and studied strategies for potential neuroprotection in glaucoma. The most studied are Magnesium (see Podcast: Unlocking the Power of Magnesium), Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) -- which is an NAD+ booster -- and Pyruvate. However, a lot of research suggests that BHB is a superior alternative to Pyruvate. You can read more here: The Best Neuronal Bioenergetic Substrate for Glaucoma - Pyruvate or BHB?. All types of NAD+ boosters are also relevant. Some may prove to be superior to niacinamide. There are many more options in this category. I'll name just a few examples that have shown good results: PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide), CBG (cannabigerol), Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Maitake, Citicoline, Breviscapine, some types of Saffron, and more.
- Floaters: Floaters are not specifically related to glaucoma, but they are an eye health challenge for many people. There are few good solutions, with pars plana vitrectomy and Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis being the main treatments for improving symptomatic vitreous floaters (but with higher risks or less satisfactory outcomes). There is emerging evidence that supplements can help. One double-blind clinical trial involving 224 subjects demonstrated that oral supplementation with a combination of bromelain, papain, and ficin (all fruit enzymes) improved vitreous floaters.
- Dry Eye: Dry eye is a problem for many people, and unfortunately glaucoma Rx eye drops can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Many supplements are highly effective for dry eye symptoms including Omega-3 fatty acids, Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Maqui Berry, Vitamins A & D, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, Seabuckthorn oil, and more.
- Blood Flow: Insufficient blood flow to the retina and optic nerve has been suggested to play a role in glaucoma. Many supplements, such as Omega-3 fatty acids and Ginkgo Biloba show some promise in this area.
- Cataracts: Unfortunately, we don't have strong evidence yet of supplements (or anything) that can prevent or reverse cataracts. However, diets rich in antioxidants (like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lutein, Zeaxanthin) are associated with a lower risk of developing cataracts in observational studies.
- Immune System Support: Glaucoma is increasingly recognized as having significant immune system involvement. There are many supplements that support a healthy immune system. One of the most interesting in regard to glaucoma is PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide). However, there are many other supplements of interest in regard to maintaining a healthy immune response. Focus on those that play a direct role in neuroinflammation support (like PEA) or in other aspects of the CNS immune system. Magnesium is essential for optimal immune function and regulating inflammation. and the majority of us do not obtain sufficient magnesium from our diets.
While managing glaucoma primarily involves conventional treatments prescribed by your ophthalmologist, dietary supplements offer intriguing possibilities across various aspects of eye health relevant to the condition. From supporting healthy intraocular pressure and exploring avenues for neuroprotection to maintaining retinal wellness and addressing related issues like dry eye, targeted nutritional strategies can be critical for many of us living with glaucoma.
However, it is crucial to approach supplementation thoughtfully and safely. What works for one person may not be suitable for another. Furthermore, quality, dosage, purity and potential interactions are key considerations when choosing supplements. I look for supplements that are free of all excipients -- the "other ingredients" section of the supplement facts should contain nothing except the plant-based capsule shell.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your ophthalmologist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding glaucoma or any other medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. This information does not endorse any specific product or treatment plan.
