Is There an Implication of Nutrition and Lifestyle Habits in Glaucoma Disease? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the western world with an estimate to increase the disease’s prevalence. Ophthalmologists can handle the disease with medication, but the implication of nutrition is still neglected due to lack of data. With this review we try to elucidate the relationship between nutritional components and glaucoma disease. Methods: We compiled relevant articles from 1990 until March 2021. From a total of 1334 articles that matched the keywords, we finally included 92 researches. Results: Literature data were reviewed extensively for studies concerning glaucoma patient’s nutritional habits, that also investigated nutrients with antioxidant properties such as vitamins, other components like omega-fatty acids or medicinal plants, lifestyle habits like smoking, physical activity or coffee consumption and body mass index range. Conclusion: It is important to outline to patients that they should follow a diet rich in colorful fruits, vegetables, olive oil and fatty fish. These foods are sources of Vitamins A, C, E, D and minerals. Also smoking cessation, moderate caffeine consumption, frequent physical activity like walking and maintenance of normal BMI should be encouraged. However, further clinical researches are needed for definite conclusions on the implication of diet and medicinal plants in glaucoma.