Oxidative Stress, Nutrition and Glaucoma: Connecting The Dots

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma affects over 80 million people worldwide and represents the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. Oxidative stress has emerged as a key pathophysiological mechanism in glaucomatous neurodegeneration, with mounting evidence suggesting that nutritional interventions targeting oxidative pathways may offer neuroprotective benefits. The relationship between dietary antioxidants, oxidative stress markers, and glaucoma progression has become an area of intense research interest.

Purpose: To examine the current evidence linking oxidative stress to glaucoma pathogenesis, evaluate the role of specific nutritional antioxidants in glaucoma prevention and management, and assess the clinical implications of nutritional interventions in glaucoma care.

Recent findings: Population-based studies have identified significant associations between dietary antioxidant intake and glaucoma risk, with higher consumption of vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and flavonoids associated with a 15-25% reduced risk of glaucoma development. Clinical trials of nutritional supplementation have shown promising results, with some antioxidant combinations demonstrating measurable improvements in retinal ganglion cell function and visual field stability. Emerging research on nitric oxide bioavailability, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation has revealed novel targets for nutritional intervention. Advanced biomarker studies indicate that oxidative stress levels can predict glaucoma progression and treatment response.

Conclusions: Oxidative stress plays a central role in glaucomatous neurodegeneration through multiple pathways, including mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, and inflammatory cascades. Specific nutritional antioxidants demonstrate neuroprotective potential through various mechanisms, including free radical scavenging, enhancement of antioxidant enzyme systems, and modulation of cellular stress responses. While current evidence supports the inclusion of antioxidant-rich diets in glaucoma management, more definitive clinical trials are needed to establish optimal supplementation protocols. Integration of nutritional assessment and intervention into comprehensive glaucoma care may offer additional therapeutic benefits beyond traditional pressure-lowering approaches.