Protocol · Eye Health
Glaucoma Supportive Care Protocol
Citicoline (CDP-Choline) and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Glaucoma Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 1 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | ||||
| Citicoline (CDP-Choline) | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Neuroprotective effects on retinal ganglion cells; may slow visual field deterioration
| Grade C for Visual acuity (VA)1 study · 60 people | |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily | May improve ocular blood flow and have neuroprotective effects; support retinal health | Not graded yet | |
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | ||||
| Ginkgo Biloba | Amount listed: 120–240 mg standardized extract daily | May improve ocular blood flow; neuroprotective and antioxidant effects
| Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Antioxidant; may transiently reduce intraocular pressure; supports eye health | Not graded yet | |
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 100–200 mg daily | Mitochondrial support; may protect retinal ganglion cells from oxidative damage | Not graded yet | |
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid | Amount listed: 300–600 mg daily | Antioxidant with potential neuroprotective effects on retinal ganglion cells | Not graded yet | |
| Bilberry Extract | Amount listed: 160–320 mg standardized extract daily | Anthocyanins support retinal microcirculation and may protect against oxidative stress | Not graded yet | |
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily | May improve ocular blood flow through vasodilation; supports nerve function | Not graded yet | |
| Vitamin B12 and Folate | Amount listed: B12 1,000 mcg, Folate 400–800 mcg daily | May support optic nerve health; elevated homocysteine associated with glaucoma | Not graded yet | |
How this protocol works
In plain language
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It's a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The most common types are open-angle glaucoma (develops slowly, often without symptoms until significant vision loss) and angle-closure glaucoma (can be acute emergency). Vision loss from glaucoma cannot be recovered - the goal is preventing further damage.
CRITICAL: Glaucoma requires ongoing medical management. The primary treatment is lowering intraocular pressure through eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery. Regular eye exams with pressure checks and visual field testing are essential to monitor progression. Never stop or change your glaucoma medications without consulting your ophthalmologist. These supplements may provide additional support for optic nerve health but DO NOT replace IOP-lowering treatment. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Citicoline (CDP-Choline)* has the strongest evidence among glaucoma supplements. It has neuroprotective effects on retinal ganglion cells - the cells that die in glaucoma. Clinical trials show it may help slow visual field deterioration when added to standard IOP-lowering treatment.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* may improve ocular blood flow and have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects that support retinal health.
Ginkgo Biloba* may improve blood flow to the optic nerve and has antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Some studies show benefit for visual field progression.
Vitamin C* is an antioxidant that may have a modest IOP-lowering effect, though this is likely not clinically significant for glaucoma treatment.
Coenzyme Q10* supports mitochondrial function in retinal ganglion cells and may protect against oxidative damage.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid* is an antioxidant that may provide neuroprotection to the optic nerve.
Bilberry Extract* contains anthocyanins that support retinal microcirculation and eye health.
Magnesium* may improve blood flow to the optic nerve through vasodilation.
B Vitamins* - elevated homocysteine is associated with glaucoma risk; B12 and folate help lower homocysteine.
Expected timeline: Citicoline effects on visual function may be seen over months of consistent use. Glaucoma management is lifelong, with the focus on preventing further vision loss.