Combination SLT, resveratrol supplementation improves optic nerve health in glaucoma
January 15, 2025
1 min read
Key takeaways:
- Optic nerve fiber thickness improved among nearly all patients after SLT and resveratrol.
- The combination lowers IOP and promotes optic nerve regeneration, addressing mechanical and biological aspects of disease.
Resveratrol supplementation with selective laser trabeculoplasty may be an effective treatment option for glaucoma by reducing IOP and offering neuroprotective benefits, according to a paper published in Open Journal of Ophthalmology.
“Estimates of 60% to 80% of glaucoma patients may not benefit from traditional IOP-lowering treatments,” Sylvia Paulig, Dr Med, and Martin Krause, both of Paulig Eye & Health in Berlin, wrote. “Instead, the focus must shift toward understanding and addressing other underlying factors, such as vascular dysregulation, oxidative stress and metabolic waste.”
The combination of SLT and resveratrol supplementation addresses both mechanical and biological aspects of glaucoma. Image: Adobe Stock
In a review of more than 12,000 patients in their database, Paulig and Krause studied the effects of SLT in combination with resveratrol as a treatment for glaucoma. Patients underwent two SLT sessions per eye, as well as OCT to measure the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layers before and after treatment and at yearly follow-ups. Patients also received 100 mg of resveratrol daily to promote optic nerve health.
Almost all patients demonstrated improvement in optic nerve fiber thickness after treatment with SLT and resveratrol, particularly those with well-controlled or consistently low IOP.
“The combination of SLT and resveratrol represents a comprehensive treatment for glaucoma by addressing both the mechanical and biological aspects of the disease,” Paulig and Krause wrote. “SLT lowers IOP and promotes macrophage activation, while resveratrol enhances mitochondrial function and promotes nerve regeneration.”
Perspective
Back to Top
Caitlyn Caitlyn Williams, OD, MPH, FAAO
Glaucoma is a prominent cause of irreversible blindness. Normal-tension glaucoma can be notoriously difficult to manage because our primary treatment options involve lowering IOP. However, decreased IOP alone is not adequate to delay progression for all patients. This article discusses SLT and resveratrol supplementation together as an alternative treatment option.
These therapies are described to work together in an effort to remove cellular waste and reduce oxidative stress, resulting in neuroprotective effects and even regeneration of optic nerve fibers. This combination also addresses the mechanical aspect of progression prevention through SLT’s IOP-lowering effect.
The authors acknowledge that these findings are observational and are not from an organized study or statistical analysis. However, the report accurately highlights the idea that further research is needed to expand our glaucoma treatment options from IOP-lowering mechanisms alone.
There is evidence that neuroprotective agents and lifestyle modifications may soon provide clinicians with additional tools for treating glaucoma.
Caitlyn Caitlyn Williams, OD, MPH, FAAO
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Clinical assistant professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry
This perspective is powered by the American Academy of Optometry’s Communications Committee.
Disclosures: Williams reports no relevant financial disclosures.
link
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/immunity-boosting-habits-GettyImages-1364851174-8c4daf0990a840969dfea89d327afdad.jpg "4 Healthy Habits to Strengthen Your Immune System This Winter")
