Hydrogen Therapy Shows Promise for Treating Eye Diseases and Vision Problems

Scientists found that hydrogen gas can help treat eye diseases by getting rid of harmful molecules in the eye and reducing swelling, which could lead to a whole new way to protect people's vision.

Hydrogen appears to protect against multiple eye diseases by neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species and reducing inflammation, according to a systematic review of ophthalmological studies.

This review examined how hydrogen, a simple molecule, might help treat eye diseases. Researchers looked at studies showing that hydrogen can neutralize harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (unstable atoms that damage cells) and reduce inflammation in the eye. The review suggests hydrogen could be useful against various eye conditions, especially those caused by oxidative stress (cellular damage from these harmful molecules) and lack of blood flow.

This is a review of early-stage research, mostly from animal and laboratory studies rather than human trials. While the findings are promising, much more research in humans would be needed before hydrogen-based treatments could be recommended for eye diseases. The current evidence suggests hydrogen warrants further investigation, but it is not yet established as a proven therapy.

Hydrogen, one of the most well-known natural molecules, has been used in numerous medical applications owing to its ability to selectively neutralize cytotoxic reactive oxygen species and ameliorate hazardous inflammations. Hydrogen can exert protective effects on various reactive oxygen…

Read the full abstract on PubMed