Eye vitamins: Can they prevent or treat glaucoma?

I have had glaucoma for years. I just saw an ad for eye vitamins. Could these improve my vision or protect me from further vision loss?

- No name given / Georgia

Answer

Probably not. There are now a number of different dietary supplements for eye health on the market. However, there is little evidence that any of these products — often marketed as "eye vitamins" — can prevent glaucoma or reverse vision loss due to glaucoma.

One small study published in 2003 suggested that ginkgo biloba may improve vision in people with glaucoma. Another small study published in 2003 suggested that citicoline may improve visually evoked potentials in people with glaucoma. But more research is needed to confirm these findings and to clarify what role, if any, dietary supplements may play in the prevention or treatment of glaucoma.

For this reason, despite what the advertisements may promise, your best bet is to follow your eye doctor's recommendations and use the medications he or she prescribes.

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