Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions causing loss of vision due to optic nerve damage. The four major types of glaucoma are chronic or open-angle glaucoma, acute or angle-closure glaucoma, congenital glaucoma and secondary glaucoma. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the U.S. and is usually caused by increased pressure in the eye, which is also known as intraocular pressure. Treatments for glaucoma include medicines and surgery. Certain vitamins and minerals, however, might help prevent glaucoma or protect eyes from further damage.
Treatment for Glaucoma
Glaucoma treatment is aimed at reducing the pressure in the eye. If you suffer from glaucoma, the first line of treatment will often be medicated eye drops. Several different types of drops might be prescribed, including beta blockers, alpha-agonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, epinephrine compounds and others. Your treatment might also include oral medication, usually a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. If medication proves ineffective, you might need surgery for glaucoma. An in-office laser surgery procedure is commonly used. Also common are filtering surgery and drainage implants.
Antioxidants
Although vitamins and minerals are not a cure for glaucoma, you might find them helpful in protecting against damage to the eye. Antioxidants are thought to be most useful in preventing eye damage, although this has not been proven. Antioxidants are substances that might help protect cells against the effects of free radicals, molecules produced when your body breaks down foods. Vitamins A, C and E, along with lutein, lycopene, zinc and zeaxanthin, are some antioxidants you might want to take if you suffer from glaucoma. Check with your health care professional for safe dosages of supplements.
Vitamins Important for Eye Health
Vitamin A helps to keep skin and tissues healthy and, according to Harvard Medical School, is essential for vision. Beef, liver, eggs and fish are good sources of Vitamin A. Beta carotene, an organic compound in Vitamin A, is found in the highest concentrations in vegetables such as carrots, squash, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C helps your body produce the connective tissue collagen. Citrus fruits and juices are the best sources of Vitamin C, along with strawberries, broccoli, spinach and tomatoes. Vitamin E is available in leafy greens and nuts, along with foods such as vegetable oils, salad dressings and margarine. It is useful in neutralizing unstable molecules that damage cells in your body. In addition to foods, these vitamins are also available as supplements.
Minerals Important for Eye Health
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that filter out harmful light wavelengths in your eyes. According to the American Optometric Association, studies have shown that these two nutrients reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases. Green leafy vegetables, corn and eggs are foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin. Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid found to be most plentiful in tomatoes, although fruits such as apricots and watermelons contain smaller amounts. Lycopene's antioxidant properties are also thought to be helpful in preventing certain types of cancers, although this has not been scientifically proven. Zinc is an essential trace element that might help delay progression of certain eye diseases when taken with antioxidants. It is present in red meat, poultry, seafood and beans. As with vitamins, minerals are also available in supplements.
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