Is there a particular diet that prevents the development of glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an intraocular pressure related optic nerve disease and before answering this question it is worth exploring whether nutritional deficiencies are implicated in optic nerve disease of any kind. Such a question is important because it demonstrates that proper nutrition can be tied to optic nerve health. In point of fact, it is well known that optic nerve atrophy is associated with deficiencies of B12 or folate deficiency. The question is whether associations between nutritional habits and glaucoma exist in developed countries where food is in abundant supply. That is a more difficult question to answer. First, frank nutritional deficiency is very uncommon in the developed world.

No consensus on dietary behavior associated with POAG for a wide range of nutrients including antioxidants and dietary fat currently exists. Dietary habits consistent with overall good health should benefit everyone with or without glaucoma.


Worcestershire Glaucoma Support Group