A study published in the European Journal of Ophthalmology analyzed the risk factors associated with glaucoma as it relates to a particular macronutrient: carbohydrates.*

What They Did 

The researchers studied 18,247 participants over a course of 10 years.The participants’ carbohydrate intake was captured and categorized into nine carbohydrate food source groups. Additionally, self-reported glaucoma diagnoses were collected at the start and at biannual follow-up visits. Any additional factors, such as diabetic status, were also taken into account.

What They Found 

Over the 10-year period, the researchers found that 242 new glaucoma cases emerged. They discovered that people with the highest carbohydrate intake had a 77 percent greater risk of developing glaucoma than those with lower carbohydrate intake.

As for the nine carbohydrate food source groups, none were individually related to glaucoma diagnosis. This led the researchers to conclude that the amount of carbohydrates consumed versus the type of carbohydrate seems to play a major role in development of glaucoma.

Can I Eat Carbs If I Have Glaucoma?

We already know that carbs raise the body’s insulin levels and that keeping a normal insulin is crucial for regulating intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure. This can lead to exacerbation of glaucoma symptoms. Glaucoma patients are also encouraged to replace bad simple or “bad” carbs like those found in refined sugar with complex carbohydrates found in foods like vegetables, beans and whole-grain breads. 

Part of your care plan should include working with your doctor to develop healthy eating habits and balancing complex carbs. In addition to simple sugars, saturated fats and processed foods should be avoided whenever possible. This includes excessive intake of red meat, pork and lamb, as well as frequent consumption of lard.

*Powell, S. (2021, June 7). Researchers find association between carbohydrate intake and glaucoma. Association of Optometrists. https://www.aop.org.uk/ot/science-and-vision/research/2021/06/07/researchers-find-association-between-carbohydrate-intake-and-glaucoma

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The treatment discussed in this article is experimental and has not been approved by the FDA or any regulatory authorities for any use outside of clinical trials. Its safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. federal government. If you are considering participating in a clinical trial, learn more about the risks and potential benefits of clinical studies and talk to your healthcare provider before joining.