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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Published on: April 24, 2020
Imbalanced Trace Elements as Risk Factors in the Pathogenesis of Glaucoma
Kira Steinhorst1, Petra Lakatos1, Bettina Hohberger1
1Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Deutschland.
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Glaucoma shares neurodegenerative pathways with diseases like Alzheimer's. Imbalances in trace elements (zinc, copper, iron, selenium) and oxidative stress are key factors in its pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the optic nerve and visual pathway.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in glaucoma pathogenesis, mirroring other neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
- Trace elements play crucial roles in cellular processes and can contribute to pathology when imbalanced.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review commonalities between glaucoma and other neurodegenerative diseases.
- To focus on the role of imbalanced trace elements (zinc, copper, iron, selenium) and oxidative stress in glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of glaucoma and neurodegenerative disease research.
- Analysis of studies investigating trace element metabolism and oxidative stress markers.
- Synthesis of findings on shared pathogenic mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Glaucoma exhibits neurodegenerative characteristics similar to Alzheimer's disease.
- Imbalances in zinc, copper, iron, and selenium are linked to glaucoma.
- Oxidative stress is a significant contributing factor in the progression of glaucoma.
Conclusions:
- Glaucoma and other neurodegenerative diseases share common molecular pathways.
- Targeting trace element imbalances and oxidative stress may offer therapeutic strategies for glaucoma.
- Further research into the interplay of trace elements and oxidative stress in glaucoma is warranted.
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