Glaucoma, Vision & Longevity: Supplements & Science

VisualFieldTest.com

Discover the latest science on glaucoma, vision, and longevity. Each episode explores evidence-based supplements for eye health, healthy aging, and lifespan extension. Original articles backed by real scientific research. All source links available at visualfieldtest.com, where you can also take a free visual field test online. Subscribe for weekly insights on glaucoma treatment, glaucoma prevention, vision supplements, and longevity research that could protect your sight and extend your healthspan.MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content presented should not replace professional medical consultation.Glaucoma is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. Never stop or modify prescribed treatments without consulting your ophthalmologist or healthcare provider.The supplements and research discussed are for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and supplements are not FDA-approved to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing eye conditions or are taking medications.The visual field test available at visualfieldtest.com is a screening tool only and does not replace comprehensive eye exams by a licensed professional.

  1. Magnesium and Glaucoma: A Systematic Review of Human Evidence

    1 G FA

    Magnesium and Glaucoma: A Systematic Review of Human Evidence

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/magnesium-and-glaucoma-a-systematic-review-of-human-evidence Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: Magnesium and Glaucoma: What Do Human Studies Show?Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease where the optic nerve is damaged over time, often leading to vision loss if untreated. The most common form is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), in which eye pressure tends to be high. A related condition, normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), causes nerve damage even though eye pressure (intraocular pressure, IOP) is not elevated. Researchers have wondered if improving ocular blood flow and nerve health could help slow glaucoma. Magnesium is a mineral that supports blood vessel function and nerve cell health (). This has led scientists to test if glaucoma patients might benefit from more magnesium, either by diet or supplements. This article reviews all human studies on magnesium in glaucoma. Specifically, we look at trials and reports of magnesium levels or supplementation in POAG and NTG. We focus on study design, patient numbers, what dose of magnesium was used, how long patients were treated, and what outcomes were measured: visual field tests (checking side and central vision), OCT scans of nerve fiber thickness (RNFL) or ganglion cell layers (GCC), blood flow measures, and IOP. We also comment on study quality and differences between studies, and point out what’s still unknown.Why Magnesium? The RationaleMagnesium plays roles in blood vessel function and nerve protection. It can relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, partly by altering nitric oxide and endothelin-1 pathways (). In laboratory studies, magnesium also blocks excess calcium signaling that can damage nerve cells. Because glaucoma involves loss of retinal ganglion cells (the nerve cells of the optic nerve), improving blood supply and preventing cell stress might help. For example, in stroke or heart studies, magnesium sometimes improves blood flow and cell survival. Some researchers have found lower magnesium levels in glaucoma patients. One conference report (in eye fluid and tissues) showed much lower Mg in eyes with glaucoma versus controls (). However, those findings need formal publication. In any case, these ideas led to clinical studies testing magnesium in people with glaucoma.What the Clinical Studies FoundOnly a handful of small clinical studies have tested magnesium in glaucoma. We found three main human reports that gave magnesium supplements to glaucoma patients, plus some observational data about magnesium and glaucoma risk.Gaspar et al (1995) – NTG and Peripheral Blood FlowIn 1995, Gaspar and colleagues reported on 10 patients with glaucoma (likely NTG, though the report lists "glaucoma" broadly) (). They gave 243 mg of oral magnesium per day (121.5 mg tablets twice a day) for one month. They used video nailfold capillaroscopy to examine tiny blood vessels in the fingers, as a sign of peripheral circulation. They also tested visual fields. After one month on magnesium, both visual field measures and peripheral blood flow improved (). In other words, patients showed better vision field test scores and more open capillaries in their fingers. This small study did not have a placebo group, and it did not measure eye-related blood flow directly (just finger capillaries). Nevertheless, it suggested short-term benefit of magnesium on blood flow and vision in Support the show

    15 min
  2. Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals: Do A, C, E, Zinc, and Selenium Matter in Glaucoma?

    1 G FA

    Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals: Do A, C, E, Zinc, and Selenium Matter in Glaucoma?

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/antioxidant-vitamins-and-minerals-do-a-c-e-zinc-and-selenium-matter-in-glaucoma Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: Introduction Glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are two eye diseases that cause vision loss, especially in older adults. While antioxidant vitamins and minerals (like vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and selenium) have a well-established role in slowing AMD, patients often wonder if they can also help with glaucoma. In AMD, studies found that a specific combination of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A), and zinc significantly slowed disease progression (). These findings (from the landmark AREDS and AREDS2 trials) have led many eye doctors to recommend these supplements for certain patients at risk of late-stage AMD. In contrast, the evidence in glaucoma is sparse and mixed. No large clinical trial has proven that taking antioxidant pills improves glaucoma outcomes. Instead, research so far relies on observational studies (surveying people’s diets and blood tests) and a few small trials. These suggest possible links but are far from conclusive. In fact, some studies hint that too much of certain supplements may even be harmful. Given this uncertainty, eye health experts generally encourage a food-first approach – getting these nutrients from a balanced diet rather than high-dose pills – while we await better clinical trials for glaucoma. This article reviews what we know about vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and selenium in glaucoma, compares it with the AMD evidence, and gives practical dietary advice.Antioxidants in AMD vs. Glaucoma: The Evidence Gap Strong Evidence for AMD (AREDS) Age-related macular degeneration is driven in part by oxidative damage in the retina. Landmark randomized trials (the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS, and its follow-up AREDS2) found that high-dose supplements of vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), beta-carotene (15 mg, a form of vitamin A), and zinc (80 mg) with copper reduced the risk of advanced AMD by about 25% over 5 years (). These studies provide strong, proven benefits. For this reason, many ophthalmologists recommend this specific supplement regimen for patients at high risk of late-stage AMD (with moderate AMD in at least one eye). Notably, the AREDS2 trial later replaced beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin (to avoid lung cancer risk in smokers) but reinforced the idea: nutrients can slow AMD progression (). Because of the clear success in AMD, patients often assume similar nutrients might help other eye diseases like glaucoma. However, glaucoma has a different pathology (damage to the optic nerve from pressure or blood flow issues), and the clinical trials of antioxidants are far fewer. No large trials have tested AREDS-style vitamins for glaucoma, so we must rely on smaller studies and indirect evidence. Limited and Mixed Data for Glaucoma So far, antioxidant vitamins have no established role in standard glaucoma treatment. Eye doctors primarily focus on lowering eye pressure (the only proven treatment) through drops, lasers, or surgery. Still, some research suggests oxidative stress may contribute to nerve damage in glaucoma, so antioxidants are biologically plausible. Unfortunately, the human data are conflicting:Observational studies (diet surveys and blood tests) have found some interesting associations (described b Support the show

    23 min
  3. Sodium, Blood Pressure, and Ocular Perfusion: Dietary Salt in Glaucoma Care

    3 GG FA

    Sodium, Blood Pressure, and Ocular Perfusion: Dietary Salt in Glaucoma Care

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/sodium-blood-pressure-and-ocular-perfusion-dietary-salt-in-glaucoma-care Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: Introduction Glaucoma is an eye disease where the optic nerve gradually loses vision, often without obvious symptoms until later stages. Many people know that high intraocular pressure (the fluid pressure inside the eye) is a key risk factor. But doctors are increasingly aware that blood flow to the eye matters too. The pressure of blood reaching the optic nerve – called ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) – depends on your blood pressure and eye pressure together. Diet, especially salt (sodium) intake, strongly affects systemic blood pressure. In turn, your blood pressure (especially if very high or very low at night) can raise a person’s glaucoma progression risk. In this article we explain how dietary sodium relates to blood pressure and eye health, why both uncontrolled hypertension and excessive nighttime dips can harm glaucoma eyes, and how you and your doctors can work together on a balanced salt and blood-pressure plan. How Salt Affects Your Blood Pressure Salt is a major flavoring in the diet, but it is also the main source of dietary sodium. Sodium helps regulate body fluids, but eating too much tend to raise blood pressure. In fact, large health organizations agree: reducing salt lowers blood pressure. For example, the World Health Organization recommends keeping sodium under 2 g per day (about 5 g salt per day) for adults, noting that cutting salt intake “significantly reduces blood pressure” and cardiovascular risk () (). American guidelines similarly advise limiting sodium (often to about 1.5–2.3 g/day) for heart and vessel health.When you eat salt, your body retains more water to keep the salt concentration balanced. This extra fluid raises blood volume, which in turn pushes up blood pressure. Some people are salt-sensitive, meaning their blood pressure rises more sharply with high salt intake (). Over time, chronically high blood pressure (hypertension) can damage blood vessels and strain the heart. That’s why reducing sodium is a cornerstone of preventing and treating hypertension () (). Blood Pressure and Eye Perfusion: Why It Matters in Glaucoma Your eyes need a steady blood supply to stay healthy, especially the tiny blood vessels nourishing the optic nerve. Ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) is the net pressure driving blood into the eye’s arteries – roughly the difference between your arterial blood pressure and the pressure inside the eye (IOP). In simple terms, if blood pressure is high, OPP tends to be higher; if blood pressure is low, OPP drops. Numerous studies show that chronically low OPP is linked to glaucoma risk and progression () (). For example, a major review found “strong relationships between low ocular perfusion pressure and open-angle glaucoma” – in population studies, eyes with glaucoma often had lower OPP, and clinical studies showed glaucoma got worse when OPP was low (). Likewise, a large meta-analysis reported that glaucoma patients had significantly lower average OPP (by about 2.5 mmHg) than people without glaucoma (). Lower perfusion pressure means the optic nerve is less well perfused, so it may suffer chronic undernourishment and ischaemia. Interestingly, that meta-analysis also found the OPP difference was most clear in patients who started with high eye press Support the show

    16 min
  4. Soy Foods, Phytoestrogens, and Glaucoma in Women

    3 GG FA

    Soy Foods, Phytoestrogens, and Glaucoma in Women

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/soy-foods-phytoestrogens-and-glaucoma-in-women Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: Soy, Phytoestrogens and Ocular Health: Could Estrogen-like Compounds Affect Glaucoma in Women?Introduction: Glaucoma is a common eye disease that leads to gradual vision loss. It often affects older adults, and women make up a large share of patients. Because women’s eyesight changes after menopause, scientists are studying whether female hormones influence glaucoma risk. Soy foods are rich in isoflavones, plant compounds that mimic estrogen (so-called “phytoestrogens”). This article looks at what we know about estrogen exposure and glaucoma, whether soy isoflavones might affect eye blood flow or eye pressure, and what studies say about diet. We also compare whole soy foods vs concentrated soy supplements, and cover safety for people with thyroid problems or hormone-sensitive cancers.Estrogen and Glaucoma Risk in WomenGlaucoma is roughly twice as common in older adults, and women make up a large portion of patients. Researchers have long noticed that female hormones may affect glaucoma. For example, one major study found that women who entered menopause before age 45 had a 2.6-fold higher risk of glaucoma than those who went through menopause at a later age (). By contrast, women on hormone replacement after menopause showed lower glaucoma risk (). In laboratory studies, estrogen signaling seems to protect the optic nerve cells (retinal ganglion cells) from damage () (). In short, experts suggest that the drop in estrogen around menopause could “set the stage” for glaucoma to develop (). Scientists are still figuring out how estrogen might help the eye. One idea is that estrogen makes it easier for fluid to drain out of the eye, lowering the pressure inside (intraocular pressure, IOP). In a large trial (Women's Health Initiative), postmenopausal women given estrogen had a slightly lower eye pressure (~0.5 mmHg) than women on placebo () (). That change is small, but it suggests estrogen can affect the eye’s fluid dynamics. Other work shows estrogen increases blood flow in the retina and around the optic nerve. For example, a clinical study found estrogen therapy raised retinal blood flow in older women . Better blood circulation may help nourish optic nerve cells. In animal models, removing the ovaries (and estrogen) worsened glaucoma damage to the optic nerve, while giving estrogen was protective (). Summary: Observational data and experiments suggest that lower estrogen (as in menopause) ties to higher glaucoma risk, while estrogen treatment may modestly lower eye pressure and improve eye blood flow () . However, most human studies are observational. There are very few clinical trials specifically testing hormones for glaucoma. In practice, doctors do not prescribe estrogen for glaucoma, but these findings hint that managing hormone levels (through diet or medication) might influence eye health.Soy Isoflavones: Plant Hormones and the EyeWhat are Soy Isoflavones? Soybeans and soy foods (tofu, soy milk, tempeh, edamame) contain isoflavones—plant chemicals that act much like weak estrogens. The main soy isoflavones are genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. Inside our bodies, gut bacteria can convert daidzein into equol, a compound with especially strong estrogen-like activity () (). About half of people (more often in Japan than in the West) have Support the show

    16 min
  5. Lifestyle Levers to Extend Visual Healthspan

    4 GG FA

    Lifestyle Levers to Extend Visual Healthspan

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/lifestyle-levers-to-extend-visual-healthspan Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: Lifestyle Levers to Extend Visual Healthspan Our eyes work continuously from childhood through old age, converting light into the images we see. Over time, the risk grows for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts – leading causes of vision loss. While genetics matter, research shows that everyday habits can greatly influence eye aging. Choices about diet, exercise, smoking, and general metabolic health play a pivotal role in eye health. By adopting nutrient-rich diets, staying active, quitting smoking, and managing blood sugar and blood pressure, people can delay or reduce the severity of many eye diseases. This article reviews the evidence, explains how key nutrients and activities help protect the eyes (through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects), and suggests practical ways that eye care providers can weave lifestyle advice into routine care. All major points here are grounded in recent studies () (), so patients can trust the guidance.Diet and Nutrition Overall diet quality – especially patterns like the Mediterranean diet – is strongly linked to eye health. The Mediterranean diet (abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, olive oil, and moderate fish) provides many antioxidants and healthy fats. Studies find that people who closely follow this diet tend to have a lower risk of AMD and slower progression of early macular changes () (). For example, one large analysis showed that medium-to-high adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with about a 17–36% lower risk of AMD progression compared to low adherence () (). In practical terms, this means consistent intake of colorful plants and fish – the staple of the Mediterranean diet – appears to help preserve the retina’s health.Logically, such a diet is rich in antioxidant nutrients. Antioxidants (like vitamin C, vitamin E, and minerals such as zinc) neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals that can damage eye tissues. Indeed, classic trials (the AREDS studies) found that antioxidant and zinc supplements can slow AMD progression, and modern advice emphasizes getting these nutrients from foods () (). Fruits and vegetables supply not only vitamins but also carotenoids (pigments with antioxidant power). Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids concentrated in the macula (the central retina). Many studies show people with higher lutein/zeaxanthin intake – through salads, leafy greens or supplements – have lower risk of advanced AMD (). A 2012 meta-analysis found that those in the highest intake group had a 26% lower risk of late-stage AMD compared to those eating the least (). These findings fit the idea that lutein/zeaxanthin help filter out damaging blue light and soothe inflammatory damage in retinal cells.Other key nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (salmon, sardines) and flaxseed. Omega-3s (like DHA and EPA) have anti-inflammatory effects in the retina. Experimental studies show omega-3s reduce inflammatory signals and protect the neural layer of the eye. Reviews of diabetic retinopathy research conclude that omega-3 intake has “antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties” beneficial for eye blood vessels (). In fact, an umbrella of research finds that diets rich in omega-3 (part of the Medit Support the show

    18 min
  6. Blue Zones and Centenarians: Ocular Phenotypes of Exceptional Agers

    5 GG FA

    Blue Zones and Centenarians: Ocular Phenotypes of Exceptional Agers

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/blue-zones-and-centenarians-ocular-phenotypes-of-exceptional-agers Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: Blue Zones, Centenarians, and Eye AgingPeople who live past 100 – centenarians – often amaze us not only with their long lives but also with remarkably preserved vision. In regions known as Blue Zones (like Okinawa Japan or Sardinia Italy), where people routinely reach extreme old age, residents tend to share lifestyles that may protect their eyes. We review what research has revealed about eye diseases – age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and changes in the retinal microvasculature – in these oldest-old adults. We also explore how their diets, exercise, environment, and genes may help preserve vision, and what challenges researchers face when studying these “exceptional agers.” Finally, we highlight opportunities to apply these resilience insights to benefit everyone’s eye health.Eye Diseases in CentenariansAs people age, common eye disorders become more frequent. Major culprits include AMD (a deterioration of the central retina), cataracts (clouding of the lens), glaucoma (optic nerve damage, often linked to high eye pressure), and age-related vascular changes in the retina. What do we see in centenarians?Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Even in centenarians, AMD is common. In one study of 25 Japanese centenarian patients, about 40% of eyes showed some macular degeneration (). Interestingly, though AMD was prevalent, it was not the main driver of vision loss in that group. Instead, cataracts (see below) and chronic eye inflammation were the strongest factors harming vision (). This suggests that many rare individuals who survive to 100 may develop early AMD but either avoid its most severe form, or onset may be delayed. (It’s likely that people who develop aggressive AMD earlier simply don’t survive to become centenarians – a form of survivor bias.) Cataracts: Lens clouding is nearly universal with age. In the same centenarian study, 40% of eyes had significant cataract (). Cataracts in the oldest-old are often treatable – and cataract surgery can still greatly improve vision even at age 100+. For example, a report on centenarians undergoing cataract surgery found that all eight eyes studied had dramatic vision improvement after surgery, with no serious complications (). This underscores that age alone is not a barrier to safe surgery or better sight in these patients. In other words, many centenarians probably reach 100 years with cataracts, but surgery can restore vision if performed. Glaucoma: Surprisingly, nearly half the centenarian eyes in the Japanese study had glaucoma (46%) (). This high rate reflects widening optic disc cupping seen in age. Yet glaucoma did not predict poor visual performance in those patients (). It may be that glaucoma in many centenarians is well-controlled (e.g., mild open-angle glaucoma or treated cases), or that their optic nerves tolerate slow pressure changes. Still, glaucoma remains an important age-related risk factor for vision loss worldwide. Retinal Microvasculature: The tiny blood vessels of the retina tend to deteriorate with age. Studies show aging causes retinal capillaries to narrow and blood flow to drop (). Damage to these vessels underlies AMD and can contribute to other diseases (like retinal vein occlusions). We have little di Support the show

    18 min
  7. Metformin, Rapamycin, and Geroscience Drugs: Ocular Outcomes

    7 FEB

    Metformin, Rapamycin, and Geroscience Drugs: Ocular Outcomes

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/metformin-rapamycin-and-geroscience-drugs-ocular-outcomes Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: IntroductionAge-related vision loss from macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) is often tied to the biology of aging. Researchers are now exploring whether drugs known to affect aging – dubbed geroprotectors – might also protect the eye. In particular, medications like metformin, rapamycin (and related “rapalogs”), SGLT2 inhibitors, acarbose, and new senolytics have drawn attention. These agents influence key aging pathways such as the mTOR signaling network, autophagy, mitochondrial health, and cellular senescence. Here we review what is known about these geroscience drugs and their impact on AMD, glaucoma, and DR – summarizing population studies, laboratory experiments, and early trials. We then contrast observational signals with intervention data and suggest priorities for future eye-focused trials.Metformin and Eye HealthMetformin is a widely used diabetes medication that also activates AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), mimics calorie restriction, and can reduce cellular stress. It influences autophagy (the cell’s cleanup process), improves mitochondrial function, lowers inflammation, and even affects senescent cells () (). These actions suggest potential benefit for age-related eye diseases. Metformin and AMDObservational studies suggest metformin users have lower AMD rates. A recent meta-analysis of over 2.6 million people found metformin use was associated with about a 14% reduced odds of developing AMD (). The benefit appeared in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. For example, a large Chinese retrospective study found only 15.8% of long-term diabetic metformin users had AMD versus 45.2% of non-users (). In mice with AMD-like retina damage, diabetes treatment with metformin slowed retinal degeneration (similar to rapamycin in OXYS rats) (). However, a randomized trial-like follow-up of a diabetes prevention study found no difference in AMD rates between metformin-treated and control groups after 16 years (). This shows observational signals can be misleading: biases in who gets metformin (e.g. younger, healthier diabetics) might explain part of the apparent benefit. Thus, despite many studies hinting at protection, the only long-term trial data do not confirm a metformin effect on AMD.Metformin and GlaucomaSeveral large studies have associated metformin with lower glaucoma risk. In a Dutch population study, diabetic patients on metformin had far lower open-angle glaucoma incidence than diabetics untreated (lifetime risk ~1.5% vs. 7.2% in non-diabetic peers) (). In a U.S. cohort of 18,000 diabetics, metformin users had about one-third the odds of developing glaucoma as non-users (). Mechanistic research supports this: in mice with retinal injury, metformin preserved retinal ganglion cells (which form the optic nerve) by stimulating autophagy and mitochondrial quality control () (). Clinically, diabetics with glaucoma on metformin showed no visual-field decline over 6 months, whereas those on insulin did deteriorate (). Yet not all studies agree. A six-year follow-up of an Indian eye cohort saw no difference in glaucoma incidence between diabetic metformin users and non-users (). Differences in populations, diabetes control, and glaucoma definition may explain the mixed results. In summar Support the show

    22 min
  8. ER-100 Clinical Trial for Glaucoma: What We Know So Far and What to Expect

    6 FEB

    ER-100 Clinical Trial for Glaucoma: What We Know So Far and What to Expect

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/er-100-clinical-trial-for-glaucoma-what-we-know-so-far-and-what-to-expect Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: ER-100: A New Gene Therapy Trial for Glaucoma and Optic NeuropathiesGlaucoma is a leading cause of permanent vision loss worldwide. It happens when the delicate nerves that carry images from the eye to the brain (the retinal ganglion cells, or RGCs) are damaged or die. In most glaucoma patients, this nerve damage is linked to high intraocular pressure (eye pressure), so current treatments (eye drops, lasers, or surgery) focus on lowering that pressure () (). However, even with good pressure control, many patients continue to lose vision over time. In fact, some people develop “normal-tension” glaucoma, where their eye pressure is never high, yet the optic nerve still deteriorates () (). This shows that glaucoma therapies based only on pressure relief can slow the disease but cannot reverse it. Another related condition, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), causes sudden vision loss due to poor blood flow to the optic nerve (often called “stroke of the eye”). Unfortunately, there are no approved treatments for NAION, so patients have to wait and hope for some natural recovery, which often never comes (). Because of these gaps – few ways to actually protect or restore the optic nerve – researchers are excited about a completely new approach called ER-100. This is an experimental gene therapy being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial (starting in 2026) for people with open-angle glaucoma or recent NAION. ER-100 does not target eye pressure at all. Instead, it aims to rejuvenate the aged or damaged cells in the retina and optic nerve by turning back their “cellular clock” () (). In simple terms, ER-100 delivers genetic instructions to the eye’s nerves that may help them behave like younger, healthier cells. How ER-100 Works: “Partial Reprogramming” of Eye CellsER-100 is a first-of-its-kind therapy based on partial epigenetic reprogramming. It makes use of a discovery by Nobel laureate Dr. Shinya Yamanaka (who found that certain genes can reset a cell’s age). Specifically, ER-100 carries three of the four Yamanaka genes – OCT4, SOX2, and KLF4 (often abbreviated OSK) – into the eye (). These genes are delivered by harmless viruses (modified adeno-associated viruses, or AAVs) injected directly into the gel of the eye (the vitreous) (). Once in the retinal nerve cells, the viral carrier gives those cells the instructions to make the OSK proteins. The idea is that the OSK proteins will reset some of the cells’ molecular markers – their epigenetic marks – restoring a more youthful gene activity pattern without actually changing the cells’ DNA () (). Importantly, ER-100 uses a safety feature: the OSK genes are under control of a “switch” that responds to doxycycline, a common antibiotic () (). Patients in the trial will take low-dose doxycycline for about 8 weeks after the injection. This enables the OSK genes to turn on only during treatment. Once the doxycycline is stopped, the cells reduce OSK activity. This makes it transient gene therapy (temporary gene expression) aimed just at re-setting cell age rather than permanently changing the cells. Because ER-100 only delivers three factors (leaving out the fourth Yamanaka factor, c-Myc, which is linked to tumor risk), the company hopes Support the show

    17 min
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Descrizione

Discover the latest science on glaucoma, vision, and longevity. Each episode explores evidence-based supplements for eye health, healthy aging, and lifespan extension. Original articles backed by real scientific research. All source links available at visualfieldtest.com, where you can also take a free visual field test online. Subscribe for weekly insights on glaucoma treatment, glaucoma prevention, vision supplements, and longevity research that could protect your sight and extend your healthspan.MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content presented should not replace professional medical consultation.Glaucoma is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. Never stop or modify prescribed treatments without consulting your ophthalmologist or healthcare provider.The supplements and research discussed are for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and supplements are not FDA-approved to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing eye conditions or are taking medications.The visual field test available at visualfieldtest.com is a screening tool only and does not replace comprehensive eye exams by a licensed professional.

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