Phosphatidylserine is a compound integral to the structure of your cells. This chemical also plays a significant role in cell function, particularly the cells in your brain. Your body makes phosphatidylserine, but you also consume it in foods. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a phosphatidylserine supplement as a way to prevent or treat health conditions. If you have narrow angle glaucoma, you should know the possible effects phosphatidylserine may have on the treatment of glaucoma.
Identification
Glaucoma is a condition involving high eye pressures. It often occurs when the fluid in the anterior chamber of your eye does not drain fast enough. This drainage angle may not have a wide opening, limiting the amount of fluid that passes through, a condition called narrow angle glaucoma. If you have uncontrolled eye pressures, this could gradually damage your optic nerve, a bundle of fibers at the back of your eye. Damage to this sensitive nerve will cause damage to your side vision. This process often takes many years before you have noticeable vision loss, but you cannot reverse this damage or improve your vision.
Treatment
To help improve eye pressures and drainage, your doctor will most likely prescribe an eye drop or other glaucoma medication. These drops often have side effects such as irritation and redness, but your doctor will typically recommend that you continue using the medication to prevent further nerve damage. A narrow angle may require additional treatments, such as surgery, to prevent the angle from closing completely, a dangerous condition that causes intense pain, nausea, vomiting and vision changes.
Effects
Phosphatidylserine supplements may cause stomach upset and insomnia. This compound may also interact with some medications, including medications used to reduce eye pressure. This could result in side effects. As well, medication interactions could affect how well the glaucoma medication controls your eye pressure. High eye pressures do not cause any noticeable symptoms unless you have a complete angle closure. If you take a glaucoma medication, talk with your doctor about whether you should take phosphatidylserine supplements.
Considerations
Narrow angle glaucoma requires good control of eye pressures to help prevent damage to your vision. Left untreated or without proper control, glaucoma will begin to take away side vision, ultimately leading to complete vision loss. Do not take supplements such as phosphatidylserine without consulting with your doctor and considering the possible complications.
