Hydrogen Gas Shows Promise for Treating Eye Diseases and Blindness
- Authors
- Su-Yi Li, Rong-Yue Xue, Hao Wu, Ning Pu, Dong Wei, Na Zhao, Zong-Ming Song, Ye Tao
- Journal
- Pharmaceuticals
- Year
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.3390/ph16111567
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Cataracts
- Body System
- Visual System
TL;DR
Scientists found that a simple gas called hydrogen (H2) can help treat eye diseases like dry eyes and cataracts by reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage, though doctors need to do more testing to figure out the best way to give it to patients.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen shows therapeutic potential for multiple eye diseases including cataracts, dry eye disease, and diabetic retinopathy through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with clinical applications already established for dry eye disease and corneal endothelial injury.
Summary
This review article examines how molecular hydrogen (H2)—a simple gas that can be delivered through water, saline, or other methods—may help treat eye diseases. Researchers found that H2 appears to reduce cell damage caused by oxidation (a harmful chemical process), decrease inflammation, and prevent cell death in eye tissue. Some clinical use has already begun for dry eye disease and corneal injury, though the authors note that larger, more rigorous studies are needed to determine the best ways to deliver H2 and the right doses to use.
Practical Takeaway
While this review suggests hydrogen water and other H2 delivery methods may have promise for eye health, it is a summary of existing research rather than a new study with definitive results. The authors themselves emphasize that large-scale clinical trials are still needed before H2 treatments can be widely recommended. Anyone considering hydrogen water for eye conditions should consult their eye care provider, as evidence remains preliminary.
Abstract
Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas which displays non-toxic features at high concentrations. H2 can alleviate oxidative damage, reduce inflammatory reactions and inhibit apoptosis cascades, thereby inducing protective and repairing effects on cells. H2 can be transported into the body in the form of H2 gas, hydrogen-rich water (HRW), hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) or H2 produced by intestinal bacteria. Accumulating evidence suggest that H2 is protective against multiple ophthalmic diseases, including cataracts, dry eye disease, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and other fields. In particular, H2 has been tested in the treatment of dry eye disease and corneal endothelial injury in clinical practice. This medical gas has brought hope to patients suffering from blindness. Although H2 has demonstrated promising therapeutic potentials and broad application prospects, further large-scale studies involving more patients are still needed to determine its optimal application mode and dosage. In this paper, we have reviewed the basic characteristics of H2, and its therapeutic effects in ophthalmic diseases. We also focus on the latest progress in the administration approaches and mechanisms underlying these benefits.