Even with more than three million people with glaucoma in the United States, there is still perplexity among researchers about the disease. This is specifically in regards to how intraocular pressure (IOP) improves, but a patient’s vision does not. In April 2021, a study brought new light to this concern and found a compound, citicoline, has reduced vision loss in rats without affecting fluid pressure.* 

What is citicoline?

Naturally produced in the brain, citicoline is a compound and a major source of choline, a building block of cell membranes, which lines nerve cells and enhances nerve cell communication. 

Adequate amounts of citicoline in the body are theorized to help prevent the breakdown of brain cells. “Since glaucoma interrupts the connection between the brain and eye, we hope to strengthen it with new types of therapies,” says Kevin Chan, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health.

What were the results of the study?

Over three weeks, researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine examined how citicoline supplements affected rats with glaucoma. Their findings were:

• Restored optic nerve (neural) signals between the brain and eye to near-normal levels
• Reduced vision loss without reducing fluid pressure in the eye

Dr. Chan adds, “Our study suggests that citicoline protects against glaucoma through a mechanism different from that of standard treatments that reduce fluid pressure.”

Should glaucoma patients start taking citicoline supplements?

Researchers believe more studies are imperative before recommending citicoline supplementation in glaucoma patients. Going forward, the researchers plan to investigate the origin of another compound, choline, in people with glaucoma as well as how citicoline works to repair nerve damage.

NYU Grossman School of Medicine. (2021, April 14). Glaucoma May Be More than Just an Issue of Eye Pressure [Press release]. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/glaucoma-may-be-more-than-just-an-issue-of-eye-pressure-301264945.html

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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.