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. Is Glaucoma Genetic

    2시간 전

    Is Glaucoma Genetic

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/is-glaucoma-genetic Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: Introduction Yes – glaucoma often runs in families, but the story is far more complex than a single “glaucoma gene.” Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with glaucoma raises your own risk dramatically – by roughly 4 to 9 times compared with the general population (). In other words, family history is a very strong warning flag. However, most cases of glaucoma are not caused by one single inherited mutation. Instead, glaucoma is usually a polygenic, multifactorial disease – meaning that dozens or even hundreds of common genetic variants each add a little to risk, and environmental factors (age, blood pressure, steroid use, etc.) also play key roles. In this article we unpack the genetics: identifying the handful of rare genes that can cause glaucoma on their own, and explaining the vast network of other genes that subtly raise risk. We also explore how genetic risk varies among ethnic groups, what exciting new genetic tests and treatments are on the horizon, and what patients should do today with family history or genetic test results in hand.Monogenic Glaucoma – When One Gene Drives the Disease A few glaucoma genes follow classic “Mendelian” inheritance (like sickle cell or cystic fibrosis), especially in early‐onset cases. These are relatively rare but have very high impact. We highlight the major ones: MYOC (myocilin). This was the first glaucoma gene discovered. Mutations in MYOC cause juvenile and adult primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). In juvenile-onset glaucoma (ages ~3–40), MYOC mutations appear in roughly 10% of patients () (up to ~30–36% in some early studies). In adult POAG (onset after age 40), MYOC mutations account for about 3–5% of cases (). These mutations act in a dominant way; if you have one bad copy of MYOC you have high lifetime risk of glaucoma (). For example, a common MYOC mutation called p.Gln368Ter is found almost exclusively in people of European descent and by itself gives a very high risk – population studies show that carriers of this variant have about a 7-fold higher odds of POAG than non-carriers () (). (Not everyone with the mutation gets glaucoma, illustrating that other factors matter too.) OPTN (optineurin) and TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1). These two genes are linked to normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG), a form of open-angle glaucoma that occurs even when eye pressure is not elevated. In rare families with aggressive NTG, mutations in OPTN or duplications of TBK1 have been found (). These mutations also act in a dominant fashion. Because OPTN and TBK1 are involved in cellular stress and death pathways, their discovery showed that neurodegenerative mechanisms (not just high pressure) can drive glaucoma (). CYP1B1. This gene (encoding a cytochrome P450 enzyme) is the major cause of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) – glaucoma that appears at birth or in infancy. Mutations in CYP1B1 are autosomal recessive, meaning a child must inherit two bad copies (one from each parent) to develop the disease. Worldwide, CYP1B1 mutations are by far the most common cause of PCG, especially in populations with high family marriage rates (). (In one large review, over 70 different CYP1B1 mutations were identified in PCG patients from many countries ().) Because this is a well-established cause, any child with true congenital glaucoma is usually offered genetic Support the show

    20분
  2. What Is Narrow Angle Glaucoma

    1일 전

    What Is Narrow Angle Glaucoma

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/what-is-narrow-angle-glaucoma Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: What Is Narrow-Angle Glaucoma?Primary glaucoma is usually thought of as “open-angle” glaucoma, where the eye’s drainage system (the trabecular meshwork in the angle between the cornea and iris) remains open. Narrow-angle glaucoma – also called angle-closure glaucoma – is different. In these eyes the front part of the eye is crowded: the iris (the colored part) sits too close to the drainage angle, blocking fluid outflow. Tiny pores in the drainage tissue can become partially or fully sealed by the iris. This stops aqueous humor from draining normally and causes eye pressure (intraocular pressure, or IOP) to rise quickly () (). In open-angle glaucoma, pressure usually rises slowly over years and damages nerves little by little. In contrast, narrow angles can abruptly trap fluid, driving IOP sky-high in hours – a spike that can destroy optic nerve fibers very quickly if untreated () (). High pressure in the eye leads to irreversible vision loss if not relieved. In fact, studies show angle-closure glaucoma causes blindness far more often than open-angle disease (). Although rare compared to open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure attacks can be catastrophic. It is one of the few true eye emergencies, because vision can be lost in a matter of hours without treatment () (). Anatomy: Closed Angle vs. Open AngleTo understand narrow angles, imagine the anterior chamber of the eye (space between cornea and iris) as a bowl. In open-angle glaucoma this bowl is deep enough that fluid (the aqueous humor) easily flows through the angle at the periphery. In narrow-angle glaucoma, the inner wall of the bowl (iris) bows forward toward the outer wall (cornea). This flattens and narrows the angle through which fluid drains () (). A helpful way ophthalmologists define angle-closure is by how much the iris touches the trabecular meshwork. If more than half of the meshwork is blocked by iris contact, the angle is considered “closed” (). In practice, doctors use gonioscopy – a special contact lens with mirrors – to shine light into the angle and see how open it is (). With gonioscopy they can see if the iris is bumping into the drainage site. In short, angle-closure glaucoma means the drainage pathway is physically narrowed or sealed off by the iris, whereas open-angle glaucoma means the pathway remains open but becomes clogged or inefficient in other ways.The Spectrum of Angle-Closure DiseaseNarrow angles come in degrees. Some people are “angle-closure suspects” with anatomically narrow angles but no glaucoma damage yet. Others progress to chronic or acute closure. Narrow Angles (Angle-Closure Suspect) Some eyes simply have naturally shallow anterior chambers. These eyes are at risk: the iris is closer to the angle than normal, but fluid still drains (though a little slower). Many people with narrow angles never have symptoms or vision loss. We call them “suspects” or “pre-glaucoma.” They have narrow angles on exam, but pressure and nerve health remain normal. Such eyes need monitoring and often preventive treatment because they can progress to true angle-closure. Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Subacute, Insidious) Over time, a narrow angle can develop synechiae (iris adhesions) – patches where the iris sticks to the meshwork. This can block drainage bit by bit. Chronic angle-closure glaucoma often has no warning p Support the show

    19분
  3. What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma

    3일 전

    What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/what-are-the-symptoms-of-glaucoma Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight.” In primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) – the most common form worldwide – patients usually notice nothing at all until the disease is advanced (). In fact, eye doctors warn that POAG is essentially asymptomatic in early stages. The optic nerve slowly deteriorates over years, chipping away at peripheral vision without causing any pain or obvious change in sharpness. Imagine bumping into objects at the edges of your vision, missing curb steps, or failing to see people approaching from the side – these subtle clues can appear, but often go unnoticed for so long that about 40% of retinal nerve fibers are already lost before patients report any “tunnel vision” or vision loss (). By then, glaucoma’s real symptom is finally felt: the absence of any warning at all. As POAG progresses, symptoms emerge only gradually. Patients may describe difficulty discriminating contrast, or an unusual glare or halo around lights – especially when driving at night. In fact, research shows many people with glaucoma have trouble with glare and low-contrast vision (). Bright headlights or sunlit road signs may seem to wash out, and vision transition from dark to light can become jarring. These symptoms are often dismissed as normal aging or unrecognized cataracts. Over time, the visual field continues to constrict like tunnel vision, and central vision can slowly be affected. Reading small print, recognizing faces, or navigating unfamiliar routes then become more challenging. By the late stages of POAG, even straight-ahead vision can blur, greatly impacting daily activities. Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Unlike POAG’s silent course, acute angle-closure glaucoma presents suddenly and dramatically. This is a true emergency. Patients develop a sprinter’s warning sign of symptoms: intense eye pain, severe headache, and visual disturbances all at once. The affected eye turns red and feels very hard. Vision blurs and patients often see colored halos around lights. The episode may trigger nausea, vomiting, and even abdominal pain. In fact, one eye care protocol notes that acute angle-closure can mimic a neurological or gastrointestinal emergency: patients can be misdiagnosed with migraine, sinus headache or severe stomach sickness (). This is dangerous – without immediate treatment (often within hours) to lower the eye’s pressure, permanent vision loss can result (). In short, sudden eye pain plus headache and nausea demands an immediate emergency response. Subacute (“Intermittent”) Angle-Closure Glaucoma Some people experience intermittent angle-closure attacks – shorter, milder episodes that come and go. These attacks can cause dull brow or eye ache, foggy/blurry vision, and exploitable haloes around lights, especially after activities that dim the pupil (for example, moving into a dark room). Each episode may resolve on its own, so patients often ignore it or think it was just a bad headache. Indeed, studies found that many people with subacute angle-closure glaucoma first complain of recurring headaches and are mistakenly treated for migraines (). Because each attack is brief, it’s easy to blame them on stress or sinus troubles instead of underlying eye pressure spikes. Over time, however, these repeated IOP surges cause adhesions in the angle and l Support the show

    13분
  4. How to Prevent Glaucoma

    3일 전

    How to Prevent Glaucoma

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/how-to-prevent-glaucoma Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: How to Prevent GlaucomaGlaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve (the nerve connecting the eye to the brain). It often has no symptoms in early stages, which is why it’s called the “silent thief of sight.” Once vision is lost from glaucoma, it cannot be regained, so the best strategy is early detection and care to slow or stop its progression. Rather than being truly “preventable,” glaucoma can often be caught early and managed. The most powerful preventive step you can take is having regular comprehensive eye exams – starting in your 30s or 40s – to get baseline measurements and watch for any changes over time () (). For example, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) advises a baseline eye exam at age 40, with repeat exams every 2–4 years up to age 54, every 1–3 years ages 55–64, and every 1–2 years once you are 65 or older (). People at higher risk (such as those with family history, African or Asian ancestry, or prior eye injury) may need to start even earlier and test more often.The Importance of Regular Eye ExamsRegular comprehensive eye exams are critical because glaucoma damage is often silent until it is advanced. By getting an exam early (a “baseline” test) in your 30s or 40s, your eye doctor can record your normal intraocular pressure (IOP), optic nerve appearance, and visual field performance. Future exams can then detect any small changes. According to the AAO, exams every few years for adults help to catch eye diseases early (). During a comprehensive exam, doctors check:Intraocular pressure (IOP) – measured with an instrument (tonometry) to see how much pressure is inside the eye (). Optic nerve exam – looking through a dilated pupil to inspect the optic nerve head for swelling or cupping (). Visual field test – checks fuller peripheral vision, since glaucoma often causes “tunnel vision.” Gonioscopy – an exam of the angle between the iris and cornea to see if it’s open or narrow. Corneal thickness (pachymetry) – thickness affects IOP reading and risk, so it’s measured too (). Optical nerve imaging (OCT) – modern scans that map the retinal nerve fiber layer for thinning. All these tests together can detect early signs of open-angle glaucoma (the most common type) or angle-closure risk. If you have risk factors (family history of glaucoma, high myopia, steroid use, etc.), your eye doctor may check more frequently. The key point: never skip eye exams because mild glaucoma causes no pain or obvious symptoms until it is advanced () .Proven Prevention and Risk-Reduction StrategiesStay Active with Aerobic Exercise Moderate aerobic exercise can lower eye pressure and improve blood flow to the optic nerve. For example, a study showed that 30 minutes of moderate exercise (jogging on a treadmill) caused a significant drop in IOP for both healthy people and glaucoma patients (). Meta-analyses confirm that aerobic activity can reduce IOP by a few mmHg acutely (). Regular brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling is recommended for general health and may modestly reduce glaucoma risk. (On the flip side, very heavy straining lifts, like 1-rep max weightlifting, cause sharp spikes in IOP – one study found leg-press exercises raised eye pressure by an average of 26.5 mmHg – but only very briefly (). It’s best to practice controlled breathing during weightlifting and avoid sustain Support the show

    16분
  5. What Does Glaucoma Look Like

    4일 전

    What Does Glaucoma Look Like

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/what-does-glaucoma-look-like Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: What Does Glaucoma Look LikeGlaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it slowly steals vision with few obvious symptoms () (). In the United States it is the second leading cause of permanent blindness (). But what does glaucoma look like – to the patient, and to the eye doctor? In early stages, most people notice nothing at all. Over time, glaucoma chips away at peripheral vision (the edges of the field of view) one tiny blind spot at a time (). Because these “dots” in the side vision come on slowly and the brain fills in gaps, many patients don’t realize anything is wrong until more serious loss occurs (). By the time glaucoma is advanced, however, the remaining sight can narrow to a small central tunnel or even total blackness.Patient’s Experience: How Vision ChangesEarly stage. In early glaucoma, most vision—especially central vision—is normal, so patients usually feel fine. The earliest signs are subtle blind spots at the edges of vision, often near the nose (nasal visual field). These spots are so small that people rarely notice them. For example, a patient information article explains that early glaucoma “creates blind spots in the outer edges of the visual field,” which usually go unnoticed (). People may only start to notice trouble when the blind spots grow or come closer to central vision. Mid stage (tunnel vision). As glaucoma progresses, the vision gradually constricts inward. Side vision gets cut off first, producing what patients call “tunnel vision.” Imagine looking through a narrow tunnel: objects at the very edges begin to disappear. Many patients describe this stage as if they can only see through a pipe or a small keyhole. One study of glaucoma patients found that as visual field loss worsened, people reported that objects to one or both sides became hard to see, “as if looking through dirty glasses,” and that they had trouble distinguishing edges and colors (). At this point you may bump into things at your side or have trouble watching traffic from the periphery.Advanced stage. In very advanced glaucoma, little – or no – vision may remain. The visual field can shrink to tiny islands of sight or go completely dark. For example, one overview notes that if left untreated, glaucoma can “eventually cause blindness” by wiping out nearly all side and central vision (). People who are blind from glaucoma usually have almost zero field of vision. They might only perceive light versus dark, but no clear images.Brain compensation (filling-in). One reason glaucoma often goes undetected is that the brain “fills in” missing visual information. Even if the eye has an actual blind spot, the brain may use surrounding patterns and context to cover it up. This same filling-in happens for everyone’s natural blind spot (at the optic nerve) and for small scotomas (vision gaps) in any eye condition. So when glaucoma causes a blank in the side vision, the brain usually ignores it. The result is that a person with mild or moderate glaucoma often sees a surprisingly normal world, because subtle deficits are automatically hidden. Only when the blind areas are large or start encroach on central sight do most people finally notice. This is why routine screening exams are crucial – patients often remain unaware of significant vision loss until it is irreversible ().Wh Support the show

    20분
  6. What Causes Glaucoma

    5일 전

    What Causes Glaucoma

    This audio article is from VisualFieldTest.com. Read the full article here: https://visualfieldtest.com/en/what-causes-glaucoma Test your visual field online: https://visualfieldtest.com Support the show so new episodes keep coming: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2563091/support Excerpt: Elevated Eye Pressure: The Main Driver of Glaucoma Glaucoma often begins when aqueous humor (the eye’s clear fluid) builds up, raising intraocular pressure (IOP). Normally this fluid drains freely from the front of the eye through the trabecular meshwork and a secondary uveoscleral pathway. If these drainage channels become blocked or less efficient – due to age-related changes or other damage – fluid cannot exit fast enough and pressure rises (). This chronic pressure pushes on the optic nerve at the back of the eye. Over time, the nerve fibers (which carry vision to the brain) are compressed and die, leading to the classic “cupping” of glaucoma and blind spots. For example, mutations in the MYOC gene cause a misfolded protein in the trabecular meshwork that raises IOP (), directly illustrating how fluid outflow problems lead to glaucoma.Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Beyond Pressure Not all glaucoma patients have high eye pressure. In normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), IOP remains in the normal range, yet optic nerve damage still occurs. Research suggests reduced blood flow to the optic nerve plays a key role. Insufficient eye or brain blood supply (for instance from vascular disease, nocturnal low blood pressure or migraine) starves nerve fibers of oxygen () (). In support, studies show NTG patients often have signs of poor circulation or systemic blood pressure dips, making the optic nerve more vulnerable. Another theory is low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure around the optic nerve may increase the pressure difference across the nerve head, squeezing it even when eye pressure is “normal.” Indeed, NTG patients were found to have lower CSF pressure than healthy people (). In short, NTG likely involves a “bad blood flow/bad fluid environment” effect: optic nerve cells are inherently sensitive, and factors like low blood or CSF pressure, plus other insults, can injure them even without high IOP () ().Genetic Causes of Glaucoma Family history is one of the strongest risks for glaucoma (). Specific gene mutations have been identified for different glaucoma types. For primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), three genes stand out: MYOC, OPTN, and TBK1. MYOC (first discovered glaucoma gene) accounts for about 3–4% of typical open-angle cases with high IOP (). Mutant MYOC protein clogs the drainage meshwork, raising pressure (). The other genes, OPTN and TBK1, each cause roughly 1% of cases, usually in NTG (normal-pressure) patients (). These genes normally help cells clear waste and regulate survival, so when mutated they may impair cell housekeeping (autophagy) and trigger nerve-cell failure (). For congenital glaucoma (seen in babies and young children), the CYP1B1 gene is a leading cause (). CYP1B1 is involved in eye development; recessive mutations disrupt the drainage system before birth, so pressure builds early (). Other genes tied to childhood glaucoma include FOXC1 and PITX2, which guide eye/front structure development – mutations in these (often in Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome) lead to abnormal angles and drainage block () (). Rare TEK/ANGPT1 mutations (involved in forming fluid channels during development) also cause juvenile glaucoma (). For angle-closure glaucoma, the genetics are more complex and less clear-cut. This form depends on eye shape (shallow front chamber) more than one gene. Some studies have found key variants Support the show

    12분
  7. Magnesium and Glaucoma: A Systematic Review of Human Evidence

    6일 전

    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

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

    2월 13일

    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

    23분
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소개

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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