Rational Basis For Nutraceuticals In The Treatment Of Glaucoma

Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, is a chronic optic neuropathy characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons degeneration and death. The pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (OAG), the most common type, is still largely unknown and it is often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) although IOP-independent mechanisms play also a role. Neurodegenerative process, including oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation, and an impaired ocular blood flow are examples of mechanisms supposed to contribute to the IOP independent deterioration in OAG. For these reasons glaucoma progress it is not always under the control of currently available drugs. Interestingly, recent studies have suggested a link between dietary factors and glaucoma risk. Particularly, some nutrients have proven capable of lower IOP, increase circulation to the optic nerve, modulate excitotoxicity and promote RGC survival, but the lack of clinical trials limit their current therapeutic use. The finding of appropriate use of nutraceuticals that may be able to modify the risk of glaucoma may provide insight into glaucoma pathogenesis and decrease the need for, and therefore the side effects from, conventional therapies. For these reasons the effects of nutrients with anti-oxidant and neuroprotective properties are of great interest and nutraceuticals may offer some therapeutic potential. Although a further rigorous evaluation of nutraceuticals in the treatment of glaucoma is needed to determine their safety and efficacy, in this review we summarize the potential of nutritional supplements for limiting retinal damage and improving RGC survival.