Top 10 Lifestyle Interventions for Glaucoma

#7: Flavonoids — Natural Antioxidants for Eye Health

Why This Matters for Glaucoma

Flavonoids (found in tea, fruits, and vegetables) may support vascular and antioxidant pathways in glaucoma.

Oxidative stress contributes to optic nerve damage.

Antioxidant effects:
Flavonoids help neutralize harmful free radicals.

Vascular benefits:
May improve blood flow.

What Should You Do?

Include:

  • Green tea

  • Berries

  • Dark chocolate (in moderation)

What to Watch For

  • Diets low in fruits/vegetables

Bottom Line

Flavonoids provide broad support for vascular and cellular health.

Flavanoids may provide needed antioxidants that can prevent cellular death in glaucoma

Key References

  1. Patel S, Mathan JJ, Vaghefi E, Braakhuis AJ. The effect of flavonoids on visual function in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2015.
  2. Loskutova E, O'Brien C, Loskutov I, Loughman J. Nutritional supplementation in the treatment of glaucoma: a systematic review. Surv Ophthalmol. 2018.
  3. Chaudhry S, Dunn H, Carnt N, White A. Nutritional supplementation in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma. Surv Ophthalmol. 2021.
  4. Ohguro H, Ohguro I, Yagi S. Effects of black currant anthocyanins on intraocular pressure in healthy volunteers and patients with glaucoma. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2013.
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