Relationship: Glaucoma and alpha lipoic acid

Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the health condition: Glaucoma

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Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) has some scientific backing for its potential role in supporting or treating glaucoma, though the evidence is limited and not yet robust. Glaucoma is characterized by progressive optic nerve damage, often associated with increased intraocular pressure and oxidative stress. ALA is a potent antioxidant that can regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E and increase intracellular glutathione. This antioxidant activity has led researchers to investigate its neuroprotective effects on the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells.

A few small-scale clinical studies and animal experiments have suggested that ALA supplementation may help protect against oxidative damage in the eye. Notably, a randomized, controlled trial published in the journal Vestnik Oftalmologii (1995) found that ALA supplementation improved visual function in patients with open-angle glaucoma, presumably by enhancing antioxidant defenses. Additional laboratory data have shown that ALA can reduce oxidative stress markers in ocular tissues.

However, large-scale, well-controlled human trials are lacking, and ALA is not currently a standard or widely recommended therapy for glaucoma by major ophthalmologic societies. Its use is generally as an adjunct to conventional treatments, based on the rationale that reducing oxidative stress may slow progression of the disease. While the theoretical and preliminary clinical rationale exists, strong clinical validation is still needed.

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Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the health condition: Glaucoma

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Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acidFor the health condition: Glaucoma

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Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Glaucoma

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Products containing alpha lipoic acid

Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the health condition: Glaucoma