New Supplement Combo Slows Glaucoma Progression and Boosts Eye Nerve Health in Landmark Study
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 16, 2025 3 weeks, 1 day, 8 hours, 47 minutes ago
Thailand Medical News: A promising new approach to treating primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is making waves in the medical world, thanks to a groundbreaking study from researchers at the Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences at Federico II University in Naples, Italy, and the Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio” at the University of Molise.
New Supplement Combo Slows Glaucoma Progression and Boosts Eye Nerve Health in Landmark Study
The study evaluated a combination of oral citicoline, antioxidant vitamins (A, B, C, and E), and blackcurrant extract, taken as a daily supplement, in patients already being treated for POAG. This
Thailand Medical News report highlights the impressive results of a year-long clinical trial, which showed that the supplement could significantly improve retinal nerve health and blood flow in the eyes—two factors critical in slowing the disease’s progression.
What Is Glaucoma and Why Is This Study Important
Glaucoma is one of the world’s leading causes of irreversible blindness. It damages the optic nerve and typically results from increased intraocular pressure (IOP), though many patients continue to experience deterioration even when IOP is controlled. Current treatments mostly aim to lower IOP, but they don't stop all damage. That’s why scientists are searching for additional therapies that can target the underlying causes of nerve damage, such as poor blood flow and oxidative stress.
The new supplement protocol tested in this study was designed to do just that. Citicoline is known for its neuroprotective properties, while the vitamins and blackcurrant extract are rich in antioxidants that support cellular health and improve blood flow to the eye.
The Study Design and What Was Tested
The trial involved 30 patients with POAG, divided evenly into two groups. One group received the daily supplement (Citizin®), while the control group received a placebo. Each patient took their assigned sachet for 20 days each month, followed by a 10-day break, continuing this routine for 12 months.
All participants underwent extensive eye examinations at the start, and again at 1, 6, and 12 months. The researchers used advanced imaging techniques—optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA)—to evaluate changes in the retina, nerve fiber layers, and blood vessels. Visual function was also tested with microperimetry.
Major Improvements in Retinal Nerve Thickness and Blood Flow
After 12 months, the supplement group showed remarkable improvements:
-Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness increased significantly by month 6 (p = 0.011) and even more at month 12 (p = 0.0005), while the control group showed thinning of this layer.
-Ganglion cell complex (GCC), another key nerve tissue in the eye, a
lso thickened significantly (p = 0.016) in the treated group.
-Blood vessel density in both the macula (MVD) and around the optic nerve (PVD) improved sharply at 6 and 12 months (all p-values < 0.002), while the placebo group saw no such benefit.
These outcomes suggest the supplement not only preserved nerve tissues but also improved blood circulation in critical parts of the eye. Interestingly, visual field sensitivity tests and visual acuity did not show statistically significant change, which researchers say may be due to limitations in test sensitivity or because structural improvements precede functional gains.
How the Ingredients Work Together
Citicoline supports nerve cell membranes and boosts neurotransmitter levels, which may help prevent the death of nerve cells in glaucoma. Vitamins A, C, and E combat oxidative stress, while B vitamins protect nerve cells by supporting mitochondrial health. Blackcurrant extract, rich in anthocyanins, enhances blood flow and has anti-inflammatory effects. Together, these compounds appear to offer a powerful defense against the ongoing nerve damage seen in POAG.
No Adverse Effects Observed
Importantly, none of the patients in the treatment group experienced any significant side effects, and compliance with the supplement regimen was high, making it a safe and accessible adjunct to traditional glaucoma therapies.
Study Conclusion
The researchers concluded that oral supplementation with citicoline, antioxidant vitamins, and blackcurrant extract offers a safe, non-invasive way to enhance retinal nerve and vascular health in glaucoma patients. Although the therapy did not change visual function metrics within a year, the improvements in structural markers strongly support its potential to slow disease progression. Larger studies and longer follow-up periods are needed, but this combination treatment could soon become a valuable addition to glaucoma management. For patients and doctors alike, it represents a new frontier in eye care that goes beyond pressure-lowering drugs.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Biomedicines
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/6/1352
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