El glaucoma It is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. 1 and the loss of vision occurs in a painless, progressive and irreversible way, hence the importance of preventing or treating it before it reaches its final stages. It is shown that the glaucoma, stress and poor diet are closely related. In this article we explain it.
Stress and glaucoma
We currently know that the basis of glaucoma is oxidative stress 2-13. Oxidative stress is a high intracellular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as oxygen ions (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2), among others. These elements are also known as free radicals and their concentration increases due to the fact that endogenous antioxidants cannot eliminate them properly.
We also know that the eye is the structure of the body most vulnerable to the action of free radicals. 14. Its action on the tissues causes their degeneration and constitutes the basis of multiple diseases such as the cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, retinal degenerations and glaucoma.
In the case of glaucoma, free radicals affect both the eye structures responsible for controlling the Intraocular pressurethe trabeculus 15, as to the neurons of the retina (ganglion cells), which make up the optic nerve, responsible for conducting information from the eye to the brain so that we can see.
The trabeculum is a filter through which the liquid that is inside the eye is evacuated, the aqueous humor (Fig 1). If the free radicals increase, the holes that make up this filter become smaller and make it difficult for the aqueous humor to exit. 16-24, accumulates inside and increases the pressure, compressing the blood vessels, especially those that supply the retina and the optic nerve.
Figure 1.- Diagram of the pathogenesis of glaucoma. The difficulty of exit of the aqueous humor through the trabeculum causes its accumulation inside the eye and compresses the head of the optic nerve, causing its atrophy and loss of vision.[/caption]
Control of chronic stress, a balanced diet, moderate and continuous exercise and glasses with ultraviolet filters, are essential for the prevention and glaucoma treatment. Consult an ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma for more information.
Retinal ischemia, due to increased intraocular pressure or other vascular disorders, such as diabetes, systemic hypotension, etc., produces free radicals that, together with those generated by chronic stress or an abnormal diet, attack retinal cells. ganglionic 25-28 that make up the optic nerve, affecting the conduction of the electrical signal to the brain and thereby progressively and irreversibly deteriorating vision, leading to blindness if this situation is not resolved.
With this new perspective on glaucoma, it is worth considering new strategies focused on reducing the levels of free radicals and increasing the production of antioxidants.
We reduce the levels of free radicals by avoiding excessive exposure to UV radiation and by using sunglasses with adequate filters. On the other hand, it is essential to control obesity, diabetes and chronic inflammatory processes, all of which are directly related to nutritional factors and chronic stress.
We know that chronic stress and negative attitudes towards life must be avoided and for this relaxation practices are recommended, such as learning to breathe, yoga or mindfulness. In this line, the moderate and continuous practice of physical exercise is the other key element to reduce free radicals and increase endogenous antioxidants.
Food and glaucoma
Nutrition is a separate chapter, both to reduce free radicals and to increase antioxidants. It is necessary to avoid saturated fats and promote unsaturated fats, omega 3, beta carotene and vitamins C and E.
There is more and more scientific work that shows how the appearance of glaucoma can be prevented in population groups at risk and, most importantly, how we can improve the evolution of glaucoma by adopting measures such as those mentioned above, controlling the production of free radicals and increasing antioxidant levels 29-33.
We cannot say that conventional treatments are not necessary: drops, laser or surgery, but we can say that in many cases the amount of drugs necessary to prevent the progression of glaucoma has been reduced, or the need for more traumatic treatments such as surgery. .
- Glaucoma is the second cause of blindness in the world.
- Oxidative stress and free radicals are at the root of the causes of glaucoma.
- Free radicals clog the trabeculum and raise intraocular pressure.
- Free radicals attack the retinal ganglion cells that make up the optic nerve and alter conduction to the brain and thus vision.
- There are multiple works that show how the reduction of free radicals and the increase of antioxidants help to treat glaucoma.
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Dr Carlos Vergés.
Medical Director of Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
Dr. Elvira Llevat.
Head of the Glaucoma Unit Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
Dr. Vergés/ Dr. LLevat
Sure, enviably clear. In addition to making our eyes see things in the world, you help our understanding to see (understand) the concepts of things in the world.
With my appreciation and thanks.
"Salud"
I appreciate that he remembered that he checked her.
Thank you for giving us such a real and direct "vision" of the subject, as well as the guidelines for its control.
For patients, the advice of their physicians is of the utmost importance, and, in this sense, we ask them to continue in this informative line.
Thank you very much.
Thank you Ernesto for your comments, this encourages us to continue working in this line of dissemination of information, of news that may be of interest to the general population.
Dr Carlos Vergés
https://areaoftalmologica.com