Nutritional supplementation in the treatment of glaucoma: A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#dietary-supplements #glaucoma #humans #nutrition-assessment #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

Nutritional supplementation in the treatment of glaucoma: A systematic review

Loskutova et al., 2019 | Surv Ophthalmol | Systematic Review

Citation

Loskutova Ekaterina, O'Brien Colm, ... Loughman James. Nutritional supplementation in the treatment of glaucoma: A systematic review. Surv Ophthalmol. 2019;64(2):195-216. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2018.09.005

Abstract

Current treatment strategies for glaucoma are limited to halting disease progression and do not restore lost visual function. Intraocular pressure is the main risk factor for glaucoma, and intraocular pressure-lowering treatment remains the mainstay of glaucoma treatment, but even successful intraocular pressure reduction does not stop the progression of glaucoma in all patients. We review the literature to determine whether nutritional interventions intended to prevent or delay the progression of glaucoma could prove to be a valuable addition to the mainstay of glaucoma therapy. A total of 33 intervention trials were included in this review, including 21 randomized controlled trials. These suggest that flavonoids exert a beneficial effect in glaucoma, particularly in terms of improving ocular blood flow and potentially slowing progression of visual field loss. In addition, supplements containing forskolin have consistently demonstrated the capacity to reduce intraocular pressure beyond the levels achieved with traditional therapy alone; however, despite the strong theoretical rationale and initial clinical evidence for the beneficial effect of dietary supplementation as an adjunct therapy for glaucoma, the evidence is not conclusive. More and better quality research is required to evaluate the role of nutritional supplementation in glaucoma.

Key Findings

More and better quality research is required to evaluate the role of nutritional supplementation in glaucoma.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Dietary Supplements
  • Glaucoma
  • Humans
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginkgo

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09