[Antioxidant nutraceuticals for glaucoma]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.
• Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the primary modifiable risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
• IOP-independent factors like oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired ocular blood flow contribute to glaucomatous neurodegeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current understanding of oxidative/nitrosative stress in POAG pathogenesis.
• To explore the neuroprotective potential of antioxidant dietary supplements in glaucoma.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of antioxidant interventions for glaucoma.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental models and clinical studies on oxidative stress in glaucoma.
• Analysis of research on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen (Nr) in POAG development.
• Examination of studies utilizing essential fatty acids, natural compounds, and other antioxidants.

Main Results:

• Oxidative and nitrosative stress play significant roles in the pathogenesis of POAG.
• Various antioxidant substances, including essential fatty acids and natural compounds, demonstrate potential in counteracting oxidative stress.
• Growing interest exists in antioxidant dietary supplements for neuroprotective therapy in glaucoma.

Conclusions:

• Antioxidant dietary supplements represent a potential therapeutic avenue for glaucoma, targeting IOP-independent mechanisms.
• The effectiveness and safety of these biologically active additives require rigorous scientific investigation.
• Further research is crucial to establish the clinical utility of antioxidants in managing glaucoma and preventing vision loss.