[Influence of Luxury Foodstuffs on Glaucoma]
- PMID: 28142165
- DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-124514
[Influence of Luxury Foodstuffs on Glaucoma]
Abstract
The term "luxury foodstuffs" refers to foods which are not consumed because of their nutritional value. Classic modern luxury foodstuffs are alcohol, caffeine-containing drinks, cocoa, sugar and tobacco. The following review article examines some of these modern luxury foodstuffs in detail, as well as their influence on glaucoma. Thus, small quantities of alcohol lower high intraocular pressure and have a positive influence on the blood circulation of the optic nerve. In addition, red wine polyphenols exert vasoprotective effects. In general, however, alcohol consumption appears to have no significant effect on the prevalence of glaucoma. The most important source of caffeine intake is coffee consumption. In some studies, coffee consumption caused no changes in intraocular pressure, while others reported a rise. A large study showed a connection between heavy coffee consumption and the risk of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. Green and black teas are rich sources of flavonoids with antioxidant activity. In addition, a slight trend for lowering the intraocular pressure has been measured. As regards chocolate, flavonoid-rich dark chocolate should be favoured, due to its antioxidant activity. It lowers blood pressure and improves endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation. Excessive sugar consumption over many years can lead to increased body mass index (BMI) and type 2 diabetes. Many studies show a positive relationship between BMI and intraocular pressure. Some studies have identified significant correlations between type 2 diabetes and the risk of glaucoma. Smoking is a very widespread stimulant; it narrows the blood vessels and thus reduces the blood circulation of the optic nerve. Otherwise, studies on the role of smoking as a risk factor for glaucoma have been very inconsistent. Luxury foodstuffs may effect glaucoma and should be included in the medical history.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.
Similar articles
-
[Assessment of stimulant use especially caffeine intake in selected group of the breastfeeding women].Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2012;63(2):171-8. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2012. PMID: 22928364 Polish.
-
Consumption of cocoa, tea and coffee and risk of cardiovascular disease.Eur J Intern Med. 2012 Jan;23(1):15-25. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2011.07.014. Epub 2011 Aug 30. Eur J Intern Med. 2012. PMID: 22153525 Review.
-
Consumption of coffee, green tea, oolong tea, black tea, chocolate snacks and the caffeine content in relation to risk of diabetes in Japanese men and women.Br J Nutr. 2010 Feb;103(3):453-9. doi: 10.1017/S0007114509991966. Epub 2009 Oct 12. Br J Nutr. 2010. PMID: 19818197
-
The potential value of natural antioxidative treatment in glaucoma.Surv Ophthalmol. 2008 Sep-Oct;53(5):479-505. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2008.06.006. Surv Ophthalmol. 2008. PMID: 18929760 Review.
-
Joint association of coffee consumption and other factors to the risk of type 2 diabetes: a prospective study in Finland.Int J Obes (Lond). 2006 Dec;30(12):1742-9. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0803341. Epub 2006 Apr 25. Int J Obes (Lond). 2006. PMID: 16652136
Publication types
MeSH terms
Substances
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources
Medical
Research Materials