Glucosamine's Effect on Glaucoma & Eye Health

Question:
Is it true that taking glucosamine might make my glaucoma worse?

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Initial Posting: 7/8/2015    Last Update: 9/19/2019

Answer:
There is some evidence that glucosamine can modestly increase intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma or intraocular hypertension. For people without these conditions, glucosamine may have little ocular effect or no effect — particularly for younger people. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Glucosamine and Chondroitin Review.

Also, be aware that bitter orange, an ingredient found in some stimulant weight loss supplements, may also worsen a specific type of glaucoma.

See the Encyclopedia article about Glaucoma for more information.

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