Should we be considering selenium in glaucoma

摘要: Rarely does a glaucoma clinic go by without patient asking, “Is there anything I can do to help my glaucoma?” Apart from encouraging compliance with their medications and regular attendance, occasionally the use of gingko biloba,1 some limited lifestyle changes for those wearing neck ties,2 3 swimming goggles4 or suffering pigment dispersion syndrome,5 advice regarding this question is limited. The paper Bruhn colleagues6 in current issue British Journal Ophthalmology ( see page 1155 ) may be interest who would like consider minimise visual loss related glaucoma. Selenium an essential trace element required small amounts good health. Once ingested, selenium incorporated into selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes helping prevent cellular damage free radicals.7 Free radicals component physiology; however, when excess occurs, result reduction normal neutralising molecules within cell activity systems mediating neutralisation radicals, these inflict upon cells. Oxidative stress refers that occurs components excessive oxidising agents. The aqueous humour contains it has been demonstrated patients primary open-angle reduced,8 9 oxidative effects have shown decrease trabecular meshwork (TM) adhesion integrity10 promote apoptosis.11 Glutathione peroxidase enzyme species responsible managing stress: mediates glutathione reducing hydrogen peroxide water. Selenium …