Thursday, November 1, 2012

Can a Vitamin Be Used to Treat Glaucoma?

Can vitamin E treat glaucoma? It sounds farfetched, but this fat soluble, antioxidant vitamin could make it easier for glaucoma sufferers to treat their eye disease. According to new research presented at the American Chemical Society meeting, vitamin E could soon be used to make glaucoma treatment more effective.

What is Glaucoma and How is It Treated?

Glaucoma is a common eye disease thats caused by the build-up of pressure behind the eye. If its left untreated, a person can completely lose their vision. Normally, medicated eyedrops are placed in the affected eye which helps to lower the pressure and prevent loss of vision. The problem is the eyes produce tears which dilutes out the drops and carry them away before they have their full effect.

Vitamin E to Treat Glaucoma: What Role Does Vitamin E Play?

Researchers have developed special contact lenses that are coated with vitamin E and an eye pressure lowering medication that would normally be used to treat glaucoma. Adding vitamin E in the contact lens creates a barrier so that the glaucoma medication isnt diluted out and removed by the tears that the eye produces. Vitamin E essentially serves as a barrier to keep the glaucoma medication in contact with the eye longer.

Can Using Vitamin E Help Other Eye Conditions?

Researchers hope to use vitamin E to treat other eye conditions such as dry eyes and cataracts too. Using vitamin E is a safe and natural way to treat glaucoma and, possibly, other eye problems since its an antioxidant vitamin that helps to keep the eyes healthy. Using vitamin E in this manner also helps to protect the eyes against the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Another benefit? Some studies show that a diet rich in vitamin E lowers the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration of the eyes.

Vitamin E to Prevent Glaucoma

Vitamin E enhanced contact lenses to treat glaucoma arent available just yet. Animal studies need to be carried out to determine the safety of this treatment - and human studies should follow. The good news is these contact lenses are as easy to wear as regular contact lenses and could make it easier for people with glaucoma to treat their disease - safely and effectively.

References:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100324121002.htm

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