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What vitamins, nutrients will help prevent glaucoma from
worsening?

Date:

September 14, 2016

Source:

Glaucoma Research Foundation

Summary:

A healthy lifestyle,
consisting of balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and appropriate rest is an
important part of your overall health and well-being and can help prevent
illness too. A recent study specifically suggests that diet that includes plenty
of green, leafy vegetables may lower the risk of glaucoma.

In general, I
recommend that my patients include nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and
vegetables as part of a healthy diet. A healthy lifestyle, consisting of
balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and appropriate rest is an important
part of your overall health and well-being and can help prevent illness too.

The best way to ensure
that you’re getting all of your essential vitamins and minerals is to eat a
balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables — they are a primary source
of carotenoids, which can have overall benefits for vision health. Certain
fruits and vegetables with higher vitamin A and C content have been shown to
reduce glaucoma risk as well. Some of the most helpful fruits and vegetables
for healthy vision are: collard greens, cabbage, kale, spinach, Brussels
sprouts, celery, carrots, peaches, radishes, green beans, and beets.

Because oxidative
stress is associated with damage to the optic nerve in glaucoma, antioxidants
may help to prevent further injury. Dietary sources of antioxidants include
pomegranate, acai berries, cranberries, dark chocolate, black and green tea,
bilberry, lycopene (from tomato products), dark green leafy vegetables like
kale and spinach, and flax seeds.

Any specific
nutritional deficiencies in your diet can be addressed with supplements that
include Vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E as well as the minerals Magnesium,
Calcium and Zinc. However, there is no convincing data that vitamin supplements
help to prevent glaucoma. I recommend that patients take a general multivitamin
if they are uncertain whether their daily nutritional needs are met.

While good nutrition
plays a role in disease prevention and overall health, it is not a treatment
for glaucoma. Certain herbs such as ginkgo and bilberry may even increase the
risk of bleeding with glaucoma surgery. Given the breadth of nutritional
supplements available over-the-counter, it is important to discuss with your
eye doctor all prescription, herbal, vitamin, mineral, and over-the-counter
remedies you currently take. Talk to your doctor about any other questions
related to glaucoma and your diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices.

Story Source:

Materials provided by Glaucoma Research Foundation.
Original written by Amish Doshi, MD. Note: Content may be edited for
style and length.

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