Antioxidant Nutraceutical Strategies in the Prevention of Oxidative Stress Related Eye Diseases

Abstract

This review aims to discuss the delicate balance between the physiological production of reactive oxygen species and the role of antioxidant nutraceutical molecules in managing radicals in the complex anatomical structure of the eye. Many molecules and enzymes with reducing and antioxidant potential are present in different parts of the eye. Some of these, such as glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, α-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and enzymatic antioxidants, are endogenously produced by the body. Others, such as plant-derived polyphenols and carotenoids, vitamins B2, C, and E, zinc and selenium, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, must be obtained through the diet and are considered essential nutrients. When the equilibrium between the production of reactive oxygen species and their scavenging is disrupted, radical generation overwhelms the endogenous antioxidant arsenal, leading to oxidative stress-related eye disorders and aging. Therefore, the roles of antioxidants contained in dietary supplements in preventing oxidative stress-based ocular dysfunctions are also discussed. However, the results of studies investigating the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation have been mixed or inconclusive, indicating a need for future research to highlight the potential of antioxidant molecules and to develop new preventive nutritional strategies.

The Impact of Physical Exercise on Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress: Balancing the Benefits and Risks

“…This protection is crucial for preventing eye disorders like dry eye disease, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration, among others. Despite ongoing research, the effectiveness of antioxidant supplementation in avoiding eye diseases remains uncertain, calling for more detailed studies [42]. Moreover, the consumption of vitamin C, especially among athletes, is debated regarding its necessity and impact on performance.…”

The Impact of Physical Exercise on Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress: Balancing the Benefits and Risks

“…This protection is crucial for preventing eye disorders like Dry Eye Disease, cataracts, and Agerelated Macular Degeneration, among others. Despite ongoing research, the effectiveness of antioxidant supplementation in avoiding eye diseases remains uncertain, calling for more detailed studies [46]. Moreover, the consumption of vitamin C, especially among athletes, is debated regarding its necessity and impact on performance.…”

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant-Based Interventional Medicine in Ophthalmology

“…It is first exposed to environmental sunlight, the electromagnetic wave range of which covers the harmful UV-B and UV-C light [ 16 ], followed by the metabolic production of ROS and their by-products (ALEs, AGEs) in the aforementioned cell energy cycle [ 17 ]. Therefore, an extensive arsenal of antioxidant mechanisms is deployed in the various eye anatomical districts, including enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems, which have been reviewed in the recent publication by Rodella et al [ 18 ]. When those antioxidant systems are overwhelmed by ROS production, depending on the site of production, different ocular diseases may arise.…”

“…It is important to highlight that besides being used as a drug for RP patients, DHA is also a nutrient naturally present in various foods in the human diet. As noted in other reviews [ 18 ], demonstrating the pharmacological effect of dietary molecules can be more challenging compared to artificially synthesized drugs. Despite the rejection by the EMA as a drug for RP, DHA and other PUFAs may still have a potential role in alleviating symptoms when incorporated into the diet.…”

“…However, an equally crucial aspect is providing adequate nutritional support to the body’s endogenous antioxidant system. Scientific studies, including a recent review by Rodella et al [ 18 ], have emphasized the significance of the supply of antioxidant nutrients via a balanced diet in order to support ocular health. Many of these antioxidant nutrients are derived from plants; therefore, botanical extracts hold significant potential for applications in the field of ophthalmology.…”