Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of
visual impairment and
blindness. Improved knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease has allowed the exploration of new therapeutic methods. In general, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), oxidative stress, and vascular insufficiency are accepted as the major risk factors for the progression of
glaucoma. Many natural compounds have been found beneficial for
glaucoma. Nutritional
therapies are now emerging as potentially effective in glaucomatous
therapy. One nutritional supplement with potential therapeutic value is
cod liver oil, a dietary supplement that contains
vitamin A and omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
Vitamin A is important for preserving normal vision and it is a well-known
antioxidant that prevents the oxidative damage that contributes to the etiology and progression of
glaucoma.
Vitamin A is also a crucial factor for maintaining the integrity of conjunctival and corneal ocular surfaces, and preventing the impairment of ocular epithelium caused by topical antiglaucomatous drugs.
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for
glaucoma patients as they decrease IOP, increase ocular blood flow, and improve optic neuroprotective function. In this article, we propose that
cod liver oil, as a combination of
vitamin A and
omega-3 fatty acids, should be beneficial for the treatment of
glaucoma. However, further studies are needed to explore the relationship between
cod liver oil and
glaucoma.