I always suspected that the pressure issues in glaucoma were secondary; as is evidenced by “normal pressure” glaucoma, where the same damage to the retina is seen.  The retina is one of the most chemically-active tissues, having to concentrate light and then process it. It makes sense that it would be particularly vulnerable to different metabolic stressors. In addition, it also makes sense that since metabolic stressors can be different, the type of damage could be different.  I believe this applies to glaucoma and macular degeneration. Just as with high- and low-pressure glaucoma, there is wet and dry macular degeneration. Do these labels/categories really apply or are they all variants of an underlying root cause? We could also include cataracts, where the damage from the sun affects the lens separately from the retina.  There is good data on the mechanism of cataract and potential modulators/remedies.

Back to glaucoma, I’ve collected some recent articles that support this idea and suggest that one of my core nutients, niacin, may have a role in its prevention and even possible reversal.

References (start at the top)

Association between Active Helicobacter pylori Infection and Glaucoma–A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.2020

The Role of Neuroinflammation in Glaucoma–An Update on Molecular Mechanisms and New Therapeutic Options.2021

Crosstalk Between Dysfunctional Mitochondria and Inflammation in Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration.2021

The Contribution of Fluoride to the Pathogenesis of Eye Diseases–Molecular Mechanisms and Implications for Public Health

Nicking-Glaucoma-with-Nicotinamide.2017.nejm

Glaucoma as a Metabolic Optic Neuropathy–Making the Case for Nicotinamide Treatment in Glaucoma

Three Toxic Heavy Metals in Open-Angle Glaucoma with Low-Teen and High-Teen Intraocular Pressure–A Cross-Sectional Study.2016

!Bone Lead Levels and Risk of Incident Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma–The VA Normative Aging Study.2018

Diurnal and 24-h Intraocular Pressures in Glaucoma

Carbohydrate ingestion induces differential autonomic dysregulation in normal-tension glaucoma and primary open angle glaucoma.2018

Medical Management of Glaucoma in the 21st Century from a Canadian Perspective.2016

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Related Links

Macular Degeneration

Cataract

Skull Medicine