Glaucoma
From The Nutritional Health Bible by Linda Lazarides (1997). This free database is provided for interest only. Linda's later writings refer to more up-to-date research.
Some causative factors- Nutritional deficiencies, especially B vitamins, vitamin C and magnesium.
Tyrosine metabolism normalized in a group of glaucoma patients administered the antioxidant lipoic acid in combination with cofactors pyridoxal phosphate, vitamin C and iron, and the studied parameters improved. The authors conclude that the literature supports the administration to glaucoma patients of lipoic acid with vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 (as P5P) and vitamin C. Filina AA et al: Effect of lipoic acid on tyrosine metabolism in patients with open angle glaucoma. Vestn Oftalmol 107(3):19-21, 1991.
Since magnesium is a natural calcium-channel blocker, 10 glaucoma patients were given magnesium supplements twice daily. After 1 month the visual fields tended to improve and all 3 measured blood flow parameters were significantly improved. Gaspar AZ et al: The influence of magnesium on visual field and peripheral vasospasm in glaucoma. Ophthalmologica 209(1):11-13, 1995.
45 glaucoma patients were given either the antioxidant lipoic acid or placebo. Improvement of the biochemical parameters, visual function and of the coefficient of efficacy of liquid discharge was better in 45-58% of the eyes examined, the better results being in stage II glaucoma. Filina AA et al: Lipoic acid as a means of metabolic therapy of open-angle glaucoma. Vestn Oftalmol 111(4):6-8, 1995.
35 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were treated by hyperbaric oxygenation combined with antioxidants for 5 years. Stabilization of the visual function was obtained in 80% of patients but in only 35% of controls. Popova ZS et al: Treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma by the method of combined use of hyperbaric oxygenation combined with antioxidants. Vestn Oftalmol 112(1):4-6, 1996.