Healthy diet may reduce possibility of POAG in high-risk patients
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Patients at high risk for glaucomatous vision loss may benefit from having a healthy diet, according to a study published in the European Journal of Ophthalmology.
“IOP is an established modifiable risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG),” Sayena Jabbehdari, MD, department of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Illinois, and colleagues wrote. “Though effective medical, laser and surgical modalities exist to lower IOP, recent interest has shifted to nonpharmacologic dietary and lifestyle changes that patients can make to decrease their IOP or even alter the course of glaucomatous disease.”
In a literature search, researchers reviewed associations between dietary modifications, IOP and POAG. They found intermittent fasting and calorie restriction triggered cellular stress responses to improve overall health. Studies showed shorter recovery times after IOP elevation in mice under dietary restriction, possibly due to the dehydration effects of fasting. While some human studies also showed lowered IOP, varying effects have been seen across different populations.
Further studies reported conflicting evidence on the clinical benefits of reduced caffeine intake; lower consumption is recommended. Study results on fruit and vegetable intake suggested leafy greens are inversely related to the risk for POAG with protective effects related to the abundance of nitrates and the production of nitric oxide. Investigators recommend following CDC intake guidelines based on these potential benefits.
Clinical and epidemiological studies have shown the effects of antioxidants and micronutrients may be effective in the management of ocular hypertension and glaucoma. While IOP reduction and enhanced retinal ganglion cell survival following oxidative stress have been shown, some discrepancies in findings remain.
“Based on the existing level of evidence, it is therefore not possible to recommend an adjuvant treatment protocol. Nevertheless, high-risk individuals, particularly patients with a family history of glaucoma ... would likely benefit from maintaining a healthy diet with a low intake of caffeine, high consumption of fruits and vegetables, and recommended daily intake of antioxidants and micronutrients,” Jabbehdari and colleagues concluded. “Future large-scale randomized clinical trials are needed to further elucidate the benefits of dietary modifications on ocular hypertension and POAG.”
Perspective
Back to Top
Most of Western medicine is focused on disease management rather than disease prevention. As doctors, we are sometimes too quick to dismiss attempts by patients to take a more holistic approach to their health. Other cultures have rightly advocated nutrition and exercise as the foundation of well-being for millennia. Unfortunately, evidence-based strategies (while technologically advanced and scientifically sound) take years to bear fruit, leaving both patients and practitioners waiting.
On the other hand, there is a danger of glaucoma patients adopting fad diets or home remedies out of desperation and the dismissive attitudes of their doctors. One of the most effective ways to counteract this is to remain open-minded and advocate sensible actions that do no harm but satisfy patients’ need to take control of their condition. Proposing a healthy diet with a high consumption of fruits and vegetables and recommended daily intake of antioxidants and micronutrients seems like a sound strategy. Further studies will clarify the role of caffeine, intermittent fasting and other more controversial topics. I have been advocating a healthy lifestyle for over a decade to my glaucoma patients and am encouraged by the data validating that approach.
Collapse
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts