Glaucoma is an eye condition that occurs when a high eye pressure damages your optic nerve. Your optic nerve consists of more than 1 million nerve fibers that come together to transmit visual information to your brain. High pressure reduces blood flow to the nerve, damaging the nerve fibers. Glaucoma slowly affects your vision, causing blindness if left uncontrolled. If you have glaucoma, you should talk with your doctor about the interactions of supplements such as glucosamine.
Glucosamine
Your body naturally produces glucosamine, which helps form the cartilage that protects your joints. Glucosamine supplements may help reduce joint pain that results from conditions such as osteoarthritis. Glucosamine does not cause any known changes in eye pressure. Some people believe glucosamine could help reduce eye pressure. However, this claim does not have verified support, explains MedlinePlus. As such, glucosamine is unlikely to interact with glaucoma.
Monitoring Pressure
If you take glucosamine and have concerns that this supplement may alter your eye pressure, talk with your doctor. She can help you determine if this or any other supplement has an effect on your pressure. Your doctor will check your eye pressure and then have you stop taking the supplement for a specific length of time. He will then check your eye pressure to determine if your pressure increased, decreased or remained stable. If you have not started taking glucosamine, your doctor will check your pressure before you begin the supplement, and she will check your pressure once you have used the supplement for a certain length of time. Based on the comparison, your doctor will determine the effects of glucosamine on your eyes.
Side Effects
Many people do not experience any side effects from taking glucosamine, but some people may experience difficulties. Possible symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea and heartburn. If you have an allergy to shellfish, your doctor may not recommend glucosamine since the supplement is often made from shellfish. If you experience any of these symptoms after starting glucosamine, contact your doctor. He will help you determine if your symptoms result from glucosamine or a health condition.
Considerations
An increase in eye pressure will not typically cause any noticeable symptoms. If you have an extremely high pressure, you will experience intense eye pain, nausea and vomiting. You should seek medical attention immediately for these or any other unusual symptoms. Do not begin taking glucosamine or any other supplement without first consulting with your doctor.
