Dietary Supplements of Vitamin B and Choline Could Potentially Delay Glaucoma Progression
Cruising the Glaucoma Frontier with Vitamins: A Glimpse into the Future
Glaucoma, a cunning ensemble of eye diseases known to injure the optic nerve and potentially rob you of your sight, leaves a staggering 80 million people worldwide squinting in the dark. This relentless condition, currently incurable, can be managed through medications, surgeries, and laser treatments aimed at slowing its progression [1]. But there's a burning question on everyone's mind: Can we lower the odds of developing glaucoma in the first place?
Historically, several lifestyle choices have proven to potentially lower the risk of developing glaucoma [1], such as:
- Kicking the smoking habit
- Control over caffeine consumption
- Regular exercise
- Sun protection
- Healthful diet
Furthermore, certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B3, A, C, and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, have been identified as possible protections for the eyes when it comes to glaucoma [1].
But the most recent chapter in this story revolves around B vitamins and a crucial nutrient called choline. A groundbreaking study, recently published, lends itself to the belief that these compounds might help put a halt to glaucoma's destructive march [2].
Homocysteine: The Shadowy Player in the Game of Glaucoma
Homocysteine, an amino acid present in our bodies, has a significant role in protein synthesis. However, excessive amounts of it (hyperhomocysteinemia) can lead to concerns such as cardiovascular problems, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of stroke, possibly due to a deficiency in vitamin B [3]. Previous research links higher levels of homocysteine to the emergence and progression of glaucoma [3].
But, in this novel study, researchers discovered that increased homocysteine levels in mice with glaucoma did not exacerbate the condition. Moreover, these abnormal levels were not symbolic of how rapidly the disease progressed [2].
"Homocysteine is a bystander in the disease process, not a player," stated James Tribble, researcher and assistant professor at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and co-lead author of the study, in a press release [2].
"Altered homocysteine levels may indicate the retina has lost its ability to use certain vitamins essential for healthy metabolism. That's why we wanted to investigate whether supplements of these vitamins could protect the retina," he remarked.
Victory in the War Against Glaucoma?
Researchers then decided to arm their glaucoma-stricken mouse model with supplements of B vitamins - B6, B9, B12, and choline. Incredibly, their investigation revealed that in mice with slow-developing glaucoma, the optic nerve damage came to an absolute standstill [2]. Meanwhile, in mice with a more aggressive form of glaucoma, the supplementation brought disease progression to a grinding halt [2]. The key twist: eye pressure was not treated in any of these experiments – glaucoma is usually associated with elevated eye pressure [2].
Such findings hint that the vitamin supplementation might exert its influence on glaucoma in a manner distinct from lowering eye pressure [2]. The scientists are now planning a clinical trial to put flesh on these tantalizing bones [2].
A Spark of Hope for Glaucoma Patients
David I. Geffen, OD, FAAO, director of optometric and refractive services at the Gordon Schanzlin New Vision in La Jolla, CA, expressed his views on this study. "Any new method of decreasing the damage from glaucoma is a welcome addition to our ability to save eyesight," he remarked. "This could set the stage for a revolution in glaucoma treatment – it's one of the first studies to suggest supplements may help control glaucoma. As our population ages, the number of glaucoma patients we see is on the rise."
"Because glaucoma is a progressive disease and we don’t have a cure, any new treatment is a welcome addition," he continued. "We know that glaucoma medications lose their effectiveness over time. So, we need to keep finding more new ways to help control this process and eventually conquer the disease – this treatment may prove instrumental in finding new ways to control glaucoma."
A Closer Look on the Horizon
"Any discovery showing the potential to slow or prevent damage from diseases like glaucoma is always a good thing," stated Benjamin Bert, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, about this research [4].
"Previous nutrition studies have shown some benefit, and so anything that we can add to what we do daily is, of course, of great importance and great interest," he added. "Right now, the only treatments available for glaucoma are eye drops and surgeries to lower the eye pressure. But we're unearthing more and more reasons why this damage occurs. So, continuing to explore the actual background of why this damage happens is crucial for us to be able to develop new treatments and ways to prevent it from happening in the first place."
"This study, in particular, identified homocysteine as one of the metabolic factors potentially causing some of the damage, which had been thought of before but not directly treated. And with the vitamin supplements showing some potential protective effect, that's an exciting thing for us to be able to look forward to," he concluded [4].
Further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm these promising findings in humans before vitamins become standard in the arsenal against glaucoma.
References:1. Glaucoma. (n.d.). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-203694682. Mima, T., & Tribble, J. M. (2021). B vitamins, choline and homocysteine levels impact glaucoma progression in a mouse model. Experimental Eye Research, 198, 107213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2021.1072133. Santosh, K., & Fingert, M. (2019). Homocysteine, retinal and optic nerve glia, and glaucoma. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 73, 100803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.1008034. Geishecker, R. (2021, March 17). New study finds that vitamins may help slow glaucoma progression. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamins-may-slow-glaucoma-progression
- The study suggests that B vitamins and choline, known nutrients, might help halt the progression of glaucoma.
- This novel research indicates that supplements of B vitamins and choline could potentially protect the retina, which might be crucial for eye health.
- In the context of eye disorders like glaucoma, other mental health and nutrition considerations could play significant roles, apart from lifestyle choices.
- Othereye problems, such as cataracts or macular degeneration, could also be influenced by nutrition, as research points to the potential protective effects of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B3, A, C, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
- Science continues to uncover nutrition's role in various medical conditions, including eye health and health-and-wellness, paving the way for innovative treatments and strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes.
- The future of glaucoma treatment may involve the integration of supplements, lifestyle modifications, and medical-condition management to provide comprehensive eye health solutions.
