Top 10 Lifestyle Interventions for Glaucoma

#6: Coenzyme Q10 — Supporting Cellular Energy in the Eye

Why This Matters for Glaucoma

CoQ10 plays a role in mitochondrial function and may help support retinal ganglion cell health.

Glaucoma involves damage to energy-demanding nerve cells.

What the Science Shows

  • Neuroprotective potential:
    CoQ10 may help protect retinal ganglion cells.
  • Mitochondrial support:
    Helps maintain cellular energy production.

Why Does This Help?

  • Reduces oxidative stress
  • Supports ATP production
  • Stabilizes cellular function

What Should You Do?

  • Choose high-quality formulations

  • Consider in combination strategies

What to Watch For

  • Variability in supplement quality

Bottom Line

Supporting cellular energy may be key to long-term optic nerve protection.

Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation may provide neuroprotection through supporting cellular energy

Key References

  1. Lee D, Shim MS, Kim KY, et al. Coenzyme Q10 inhibits glutamate excitotoxicity and oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial alteration in a mouse model of glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014.
  2. Ju WK, Shim MS, Kim KY, et al. Ubiquinol promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and blocks the apoptotic pathway in ischemic retinal degeneration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2018.
  3. Edwards G, Lee Y, Kim M, et al. Effect of ubiquinol on glaucomatous neurodegeneration and oxidative stress: studies for retinal ganglion cell survival and/or visual function. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020.
  4. Davis BM, Tian K, Pahlitzsch M, et al. Topical coenzyme Q10 demonstrates mitochondrial-mediated neuroprotection in a rodent model of ocular hypertension. Mitochondrion. 2017.
  5. Matamoros JA, Rubio-Casado S, Fernández-Albarral JA, et al. Neuroprotective effect of the combination of citicoline and CoQ10 in a mouse model of ocular hypertension. Antioxidants (Basel). 2024.
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