The effect of flavonoids on visual function in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The effect of flavonoids on visual function in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Patel et al., 2015 | Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol | Meta Analysis
Citation
Patel Shaheen, Mathan Joyce J, ... Braakhuis Andrea J. The effect of flavonoids on visual function in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2015-Nov;253(11):1841-50. doi:10.1007/s00417-015-3168-y
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. A major symptom of this pathology is the loss to the visual field in a peripheral to central pattern. Flavonoids are polyphenol compounds sourced from plants, commonly found in green tea, red wine and cocoa, and they have neuroprotective and antioxidant characteristics proposed to be advantageous within the context of glaucoma. Currently, the literature presents conflicting evidence regarding the effect of flavonoids on patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension; hence a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. METHOD: Databases included in our literature search were EMBASE (1980-present), MEDLINE Ovid, Alternative and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5 (Review Manager) 5 software, version 5.3 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen). The primary outcomes were visual field mean deviation (MD) and intraocular pressure (IOP). Secondary outcomes were ocular blood flow and blood pressure (BP). CONCLUSION: Meta-analyses showed that flavonoids have a promising role in improving visual function in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT), and appear to play a part in both improving and slowing the progression of visual field loss.
Key Findings
Meta-analyses showed that flavonoids have a promising role in improving visual function in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT), and appear to play a part in both improving and slowing the progression of visual field loss.
Outcomes Measured
- blood pressure
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | glaucoma and ocular hypertension |
| Sample Size | See abstract |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | hypertension |
MeSH Terms
- Blood Pressure
- Flavonoids
- Glaucoma
- Humans
- Intraocular Pressure
- Ocular Hypertension
- Visual Acuity
- Visual Fields
Evidence Classification
- Level: Meta Analysis
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
- Vertical: green-tea
Provenance
- PMID: 26340868
- DOI: 10.1007/s00417-015-3168-y
- PMCID: Not in PMC
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09