Vitamin B3 May Cut Glaucoma Risk by 66% in High-Risk Patients

Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, significantly lowers the risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma in patients with ocular hypertension, reports infohub.kz.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology, analyzed electronic medical records of 2,900 patients with ocular hypertension from 67 U.S. medical centers. Over 3.7 years of follow-up, glaucoma developed in 51 people in the nicotinamide group compared to 132 in the control group, representing a 66% reduction in risk. Additionally, the need for pressure-lowering eye drops decreased by 43%, and the need for laser surgery (trabeculoplasty) by 62%.

Experts, including Dr. Benjamin Bert from MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center and Ariana Levin from NYU Grossman School of Medicine, caution against self-medication. High doses of nicotinamide can cause liver damage, so a doctor's consultation is essential before starting supplementation.