Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damages the optic nerve and leads to vision loss. It can be caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye or oxidation, a process in which unstable oxygen molecules damage cells and tissues. Vitamins C, E and A may help prevent oxidation, because they are anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants neutralize unstable oxygen molecules and prevent and reverse the effects of oxidation. Vitamin C may relieve pressure in the eye, while vitamin B12 may prevent damage to the optic nerve.
Those with glaucoma should talk with their eye doctors to find out what vitamins, if any, are right for them. Vitamins sold as dietary supplements are not federally regulated and should not be a replacement for prescription medications or other traditional therapies for glaucoma.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin and anti-oxidant. It has been found to reduce eye pressure, according to a 2001 article by researchers at Thorne Research Inc. in "Alternative Medicine Review." The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that vitamin C may also slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, other vision disorders that can be caused by oxidation.
Vitamin C is in citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, bell peppers, melon and cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. The foundation notes that vitamin C supplements in high doses can cause nausea, diarrhea and an increased risk of kidney stones.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and anti-oxidant. According to a 2001 article by medical researcher Bill Sardi in "Nutrition Science News," nerve damage and vision loss associated with glaucoma may be due to glutamate, a chemical found in the eye. Vitamin E and vitamin B12 may minimize glutamate toxicity. Food sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, wheat, green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, butter, meat, nuts, organ meats, seafood and avocado.
A high intake of vitamin E has also been linked to a decreased risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The office notes that vitamin E from food is not associated with any adverse effects, but high doses of vitamin E supplements can be toxic and may increase the risk of bleeding.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and anti-oxidant. The Office of Dietary Supplements says blindness is one of the first signs of a vitamin A deficiency. Foods that are rich in vitamin A include liver, egg yolks, milk and dairy products, dark orange and green vegetables, cantaloupe, apricots, papaya and red peppers. Vitamin A from food is not toxic, but taking too many vitamin A supplements can cause headaches, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, dry or flaky skin or an enlarged liver or spleen, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. It can benefit people with glaucoma, possibly by preventing glutamate toxicity, according to the Alternative Medicine Review and Nutrition Science News articles. Vitamin B12 is in liver, red meat, seafood, eggs and dairy products. The Office of Dietary Supplements says vitamin B12 has a low risk of toxicity. It can be supplemented individually or as part of a B-complex vitamin.
References
- " Alternative Medicine Review"; Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma; K.A. Head; April 2001.
- Glaucoma Research Foundation: Nutrition and Glaucoma
- "Nutrition Science News"; A new look at eye health; B. Sardi; April 2001.
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Fact Sheets
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Glaucoma
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