A number of studies have been published suggesting a correlation between the level of serum vitamin D3 and glaucoma or intraocular pressure (IOP). The latter is known to be a major risk factor for glaucoma and is the main target of glaucoma treatment.
Hypotheses for the benefits of vitamin D in glaucoma include its role as an antioxidant 5 and in suppression of genes involved in the determination of intraocular pressure. Vitamin D has also been shown to regulate the functions of neuroprotection in the central nervous system, including the optic nerve.
Other studies hypothesized that the role of vitamin D in glaucoma is due to its role as an antioxidant and in suppressing genes involved in inflammation. “Ultimately, the multiple complex pathways leading to RGC damage under oxidative stress are likely varied and overlapping,” researchers wrote.
Vitamin D is also critical for eye health. From improving tear function to reducing the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, vitamin D has a positive effect on eyesight in many ways.
One study showed that patients with glaucoma taking a supplement that included magnesium—along with homotaurine, carnosine, forskolin, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B2, and B6—demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in IOP, as well as improved light and contrast sensitivity.
Particularly, Mg has been shown to improve the ocular blood flow in patients with glaucoma and may protect the retinal ganglion cell against oxidative stress and apoptosis [2, 3, 19].
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.
Similar to its effect on other neurodegenerative diseases, vitamin D deficiency could thus be a significant factor in glaucoma pathogenesis, including its development, progression, and severity.
Anything that slows or blocks the flow of this fluid will cause pressure to build up in the eye. In open-angle glaucoma, the increase in pressure is often small and slow. In closed-angle glaucoma, the increase is often high and sudden. Either type can damage the optic nerve.
Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment. They lower the pressure in your eye and prevent damage to your optic nerve. Laser treatment. To lower your eye pressure, doctors can use lasers to help the fluid drain out of your eye.
Supplements that include Vitamins B1, B12, C, A, E, thiamine, magnesium and mirtogenol may be the most effective in fighting glaucoma. Herbal supplements that may have a positive effect on glaucoma include ginkgo biloba, bilberry and forskolin.
Diabetes and Blood Pressure
On the other hand, overtreated blood pressure or low blood pressure may be considered a risk factor for glaucoma. The health of the eye requires good blood flow to the optic nerve, thus if the blood pressure dips too low, that can also increase the risk of glaucoma.
Simple carbohydrates: This includes bread, potatoes, rice, baked goods, pasta, and cereal. These foods can elevate your insulin level, which in turn raises your IOP and blood pressure. This all can worsen glaucoma. Coffee: Caffeinated coffee can raise your IOP and make glaucoma worse.
There are quite a few differences between vitamin D and vitamin D3, but the main difference between them is that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the body, whereas the vitamin D3 is the natural form of vitamin D produced by the body from sunlight.
Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis. Vitamin D has other roles in the body, including reduction of inflammation as well as modulation of such processes as cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism [1-3].
Some people may need a higher dose, however, including those with a bone health disorder and those with a condition that interferes with the absorption of vitamin D or calcium, says Dr. Manson. Unless your doctor recommends it, avoid taking more than 4,000 IU per day, which is considered the safe upper limit.
If you are taking a supplement for a true deficiency, such as a low iron, B12, folic acid or vitamin D, then you should consult your doctor before making any changes. But Dr Fenton added: “If however, you have been taking general vitamin supplements, it is absolutely fine to just stop.
Adopt a healthy diet for glaucoma
Recent studies suggest that certain vitamins and nutrients may have an impact on IOP and the incidence and progression of glaucoma. In particular, fruits and vegetables that are higher in vitamins A and C, as well as carotenoids, appear to be helpful.
From a glaucoma viewpoint, there are no dietary or drinking habits that increase the risk of the disease. Drinking a bottle of water very quickly does raise eye pressure, so we recommend you drink slowly to avoid this. Eating a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is a good health habit.
This potential benefit may be due to an increase in blood supply to the eye. However, nifedipine has significant systemic side effects which would likely outweigh the unproven potential benefit to those with glaucoma. Magnesium, on the other hand, is well-tolerated when taken in oral doses of less than 350mg per day.