Study: Vitamin B supplements may slow the progression of glaucoma

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has revealed that vitamin B supplements may help slow the progression of glaucoma, an eye disease.

The researchers administered supplements of vitamins B6, B9, and B12 to mice suffering from glaucoma. They found that these vitamins slowed optic nerve damage in mice with a more severe form of the disease, while completely halting nerve damage in mice with a less advanced form.

"The results are very promising, so we have already begun clinical trials in patients with glaucoma," said Dr. James Tripp of the Karolinska Institute.

In a related development, researchers from the Jackson Laboratory in Maine, USA, indicated that a 2019 study showed that vitamin B3 "may be effective in preventing this disease." They added the vitamin to the drinking water provided to genetically modified mice with glaucoma, and the results showed that their eyes were healthier than mice that drank plain water.

B vitamins are found in whole grains and dark leafy greens such as cabbage and broccoli, as well as eggs, fish, and dairy products.

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve (a nerve located at the back of the eye that connects to the brain and is responsible for sending light signals to the brain for vision). This increases pressure inside the eye and optic nerve, which can cause vision loss if not detected and treated early.