The role of diet and nutrition in glaucoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to explore the connection between diet and nutritional intake with optic nerve health for patients with glaucoma. RECENT FINDINGS: Using the AAO Grading Criteria to determine level of evidence, Level 1 and Level 2 studies reviewed here examine associations between nutritional intake and glaucoma. Increasing consumption of dietary nitrates and retinols, incorporating the Mediterranean diet, and reducing intake of ultra-processed foods to lower glaucoma risk are supported by Level 1 evidence. Level 2 evidence suggests that dietary niacin, antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables have potential to improve optic nerve health and are associated with reduced glaucoma risk. Evidence from both Level 1 and Level 2 studies suggest that combining multiple beneficial dietary components may produce more meaningful effects to reduce glaucoma risk than single dietary factors alone. SUMMARY: Although some studies highlight the protective role of single dietary components against glaucoma, adopting a combination of beneficial dietary habits appears to be more effective as an adjunctive treatment to enhance optic nerve health and lower glaucoma risk.