The Role of Vitamins in Glaucoma Care: Supporting Optic Nerve Health with Nicotinamide and Pyruvate
Nutritional supplements for glaucoma are gaining growing evidence as a supportive tool to help slow vision loss in this irreversible optic nerve disease. Glaucoma primarily involves degeneration of the optic nerve often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The mainstay of glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure through eye drops, laser therapy, and surgery. Although reducing eye pressure slows disease progression, vision loss can continue even when IOP is controlled.
This highlights the need for neuroprotective strategies — interventions aimed at strengthening the optic nerve’s ability to withstand glaucomatous stress.
One of the key challenges in glaucoma is oxidative stress, which damages retinal ganglion cells and contributes to optic nerve degeneration. Emerging research shows that the nutrients nicotinamide (vitamin B3) and pyruvate may support cellular energy metabolism and help protect optic nerve cells.
How Nicotinamide Supports Glaucoma Care
Nicotinamide is essential for cellular metabolism as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a vital molecule for mitochondrial function and nerve cell survival. By boosting NAD+ levels, nicotinamide may improve optic nerve resilience and potentially slow vision loss in glaucoma patients.
The Role of Pyruvate in Neuroprotection
Pyruvate acts as a key metabolic fuel that enhances mitochondrial efficiency and helps reduce oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction is recognized as a major driver of optic nerve damage in glaucoma, and pyruvate supports cellular energy production while minimizing harmful byproducts that contribute to neurodegeneration.
Vitamins as Complementary Therapy — Not a Replacement
While nicotinamide and pyruvate show promising neuroprotective potential, vitamin supplements should never replace standard glaucoma treatments that lower eye pressure. Instead, these supplements may complement traditional therapies by supporting optic nerve health and reducing oxidative damage.
Consult Your Glaucoma Specialist Before Starting Supplements
Because research on nicotinamide and pyruvate is ongoing, it is important to discuss any new supplements with your glaucoma doctor. Your specialist can help ensure supplement safety, avoid drug interactions, and integrate these nutrients appropriately with your treatment plan.
By combining proven IOP-lowering treatments with promising nutritional neuroprotection, patients can take a more comprehensive approach to preserving their vision.
