Evidence supporting the use of: Ubiquinol
For the health condition: Glaucoma

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Synopsis

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

Ubiquinol, the reduced and active form of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), has some scientific basis for its use in supporting glaucoma, though the evidence is limited and still emerging. Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive optic nerve damage, often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and oxidative stress. Ubiquinol acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to protect mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative damage in retinal ganglion cells, which are particularly vulnerable in glaucoma.

Several small-scale clinical studies and animal experiments suggest that CoQ10, particularly when formulated as eye drops or in combination with vitamin E, can reduce retinal cell apoptosis and may improve visual function or slow progression in glaucoma patients. For example, a 2013 study (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci) found that topical CoQ10 with vitamin E improved retinal function in open-angle glaucoma patients. Another study noted that oral CoQ10 supplementation might benefit mitochondrial health in optic nerves. Ubiquinol, being more bioavailable than standard CoQ10, is hypothesized to offer better neuroprotection, though direct evidence for ubiquinol itself is sparse.

However, large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials are lacking, and current evidence does not yet establish ubiquinol as a standard or primary therapy for glaucoma. Its use is better considered as adjunctive support alongside conventional treatments. Thus, while there is some scientific rationale, the overall strength of evidence remains modest (rated 2 out of 5).

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