Vitamin C (1969, 1995) Glaucoma

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1995

New Study shows supplementing with Vitamin C can significantly lower intraocular pressure (IOP) for those with elevated pressure.

The purpose of the study was to determine and compare pressure before the use of vitamin C and after the daily intake of maximum amounts of vitamin C taken three times a day.

The study had the participants take an average of 10 grams of vitamin C per day (or the limit below what would cause loose stools) in 3 divided dosages. The study evaluated thirty patients (16 men and 14 women).

The results of the study showed the average reduction of intraocular pressure to be 10mm per patient (the greatest lowering of pressuring being 13mm). These patients were only using Vitamin C as a pressure lowering mechanism (no glaucoma medication was being taken).

Every patient in this study experienced some level of lowering of IOP, with no toxicity shown from taking these levels of vitamin C. Also, positive side effects included the following: clearing of sinusitis, allergy symptoms, laxative effect, cholesterol lowering, arthritis improvement, diuretic effect for heart disease patients, and other improvements associated with vitamin C intake of several grams per day level.

Ref: The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. Vol. 10, No.2, 1995

In several studies, researchers found that Vitamin C, in larger doses, have lowered intraocular eye pressure - this is important for glaucoma. This happened through several body mechanisms, including increased blood osmolarity (a measure of pressure, as in osmosis), lower aqueous production, improved movement of fluids in the eye and collagen support.

Published: Acta Ophthalmology Scand, 1969.