Does ultra-processed food lead to higher glaucoma risk?

Glaucoma is a leading cause of lifelong blindness globally, defined by the gradual loss of retinal ganglion cells. Elevated intraocular pressure, advanced age, and family history increase glaucoma risk. However, alterable environmental variables like nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle are increasingly associated with its development. Nutrition is gaining scientific interest due to ultra-processed food ingredients heavy in salt, sugar, and fat. Previous research has implied a link between food and glaucoma risk; however, further study is required to apply these findings to clinical care practices.

In the cohort study, researchers investigated whether consuming ultra-processed food increases the incidence of glaucoma among university graduates and included 19,255 participants. The researchers followed the participants for 13 years (mean) through biennial questionnaires to be completed. The baseline questionnaire (Q0) contained data on sociodemographic factors, physical measurements, dietary practices, lifestyle habits, and comorbidities. The researchers sent follow-up study questionnaires in two-year intervals to evaluate changes in diet, lifestyle, and medical conditions and monitored disease incidences.

The results showed that during follow-up, the team noted 230 incidents of glaucoma cases. Individuals with the highest ultra-processed food intake were younger and consumed more ethanol and coffee with a higher calorie intake. After covariate adjustments, individuals having the highest ultra-processed food intake (more than four servings per day) showed a higher glaucoma risk compared to those with the lowest intake (up to one serving per day).

The findings suggested that high intake of ultra-processed foods can cause elevated blood glucose levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation, with sweets having the most contributory role. These processed meals have decreased nutritional density and a higher glycaemic effect, which can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation. Retinal exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases inflammation and glaucoma risk. High ultra-processed food intake can also cause weight gain, endothelial dysfunction, elevated blood glucose levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Reference: López-Gil, J., et al. Is Ultra-Processed Food Intake Associated with a Higher Risk of Glaucoma? A Prospective Cohort Study including 19,255 Participants from the SUN Project. Journal: Nutrients 2024, 16, 1053. DOI: 10.3390/ nu16071053, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/7/1053