Stockholm, Sweden — A recent study suggests that a common vitamin supplement could help mitigate the progression of glaucoma, a degenerative eye disease that affects nearly 700,000 individuals in the United Kingdom. Researchers from the Karolinska Institute have found that vitamins B6, B9, and B12 may offer protective effects against the damage caused by this condition, which is characterized by increased pressure on the optic nerve due to fluid buildup in the eye.
Glaucoma primarily affects older adults and those with a genetic predisposition, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision and, in severe cases, blindness if left untreated. Current management strategies often include pressure-reducing medications, laser treatments, or surgical interventions. The potential role of vitamin B in addressing this condition adds a promising avenue for future research and treatment possibilities.
The study involved administering vitamin B supplements to laboratory rats and mice diagnosed with glaucoma. In experiments, rats with an aggressive form of the disease experienced slowed damage to their optic nerves. Meanwhile, for mice with a slower-developing version of glaucoma, the supplements appeared to completely halt progression of the disease.
According to Dr. James Tribble, the lead researcher, the initial findings indicate that these vitamins might improve the retina’s adaptability to changes in pressure, which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision. Tribble emphasized the importance of these results, noting the research team has already commenced a clinical trial to evaluate the effect of vitamin B supplementation in human patients, with recruitment for participants underway.
This study follows earlier findings from 2019, where researchers at The Jackson Laboratory in Maine observed similar trends with vitamin B3. Mice that were genetically predisposed to glaucoma and received B3 in their water maintained healthier eyes compared to those that did not.
As glaucoma continues to pose a significant health challenge, especially among the aging population, the exploration of non-invasive options like vitamin supplementation could complement existing treatments. Experts remain optimistic about the implications of these findings and the potential for vitamin interventions to enhance the standard of care for glaucoma patients.
With advancements in eye health research, there is renewed hope for those at risk of or suffering from glaucoma. The continuation of these studies could pave the way for innovative therapies that improve quality of life and preserve vision for countless individuals affected by the disease.