Coenzyme Q10, CoQ10, is a powerful antioxidant that is now recognised as important for overall health including heart health. But is CoQ10 beneficial for eye health? Certainly, studies seem to suggest that it may support vision by protecting the retinal cells, protecting against oxidative stress, and improve energy levels of the cells in the eyes.

CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is found in every single cell of the body and plays a critical role in the production of ATP, the energy molecule, whilst also protecting cells from damaging free radicals that leads to oxidative stress.

How does CoQ10 help eyes?

The retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body. The retina is constantly exposed to light and so requires a constant supply of energy to function properly. As a result of this, the eye is more vulnerable to oxidative stress, inflammation, and progressive cell damage. These processes are central to some of the eye diseases such as macular degeneration, retinopathy, glaucoma and perhaps gradual loss of vision.

CoQ10 may protect retinal cells

CoQ10 levels can decline by roughly 40% in the retina with age. This decline means less antioxidant ability to neutralise damaging radicals, and less energy which may be linked to the progression of macular degeneration. ^1,2

Studies suggest that CoQ10 may prevent apoptosis, programmed cell death, by maintaining mitochondrial function which is important to protect against loss of vision over time.

CoQ10 may benefit sufferers of glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can result in damage to optic nerve, and if left untreated this can result in considerable loss of vision. The damage to the retinal ganglion cells may be due to oxidative stress and poor mitochondrial performance. In glaucoma patients, CoQ10 treatment showed beneficial effects on the function of the inner retina and enhancement of visual cortical response.³  These are the responses that process, map and interpret visual inputs from the eyes and form the basis of visual perception.

CoQ10 reduces oxidative stress in the eye

Oxidative stress is the most widely accepted theory of ageing and of chronic diseases such as arteriosclerosis, Parkinson’s, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). ^4,5

Since the retina’s oxygen consumption rate per gram of tissue is the highest in the body, large amounts of reactive oxygen species are formed. In addition, the retina and macula are subject to focused light. This further creates more damaging reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative stress. 

To provide a constant stream of energy, the eye has to constantly manufacture ATP. A drop in ATP levels is thought to be linked to decline in eye function leading to macular degeneration and vision loss. Liposomal CoQ10 not only provides this nutrient to enhance energy, but it also is an antioxidant helping to neutralise damaging oxygen reactive species.

Can CoQ10 improve vision?

CoQ10 is not quick fix for improving eyesight. It does improve blood flow to the eye and the retina, and its role is more preventative and supportive.  Although large scale human studies are required, clinical studies and observations suggest that CoQ10 may help to preserve eye function, slow disease progression and support recovery from some retinal concerns.

How to take CoQ10 for eye health

CoQ10 supplements are available in various strengths and in various formats such as capsules, tablets and drops. Whilst tablets and capsules may seem a good option, our digestive system can never absorb 100% and usually at best we achieve between 50% and 60% absorption of any nutrient.

I would recommend taking DoSe Liposomal CoQ10 which provides 100mg of ubiquinone per daily dose of only 5ml. This is a high strength, bioavailable CoQ10 supplement which uses liposomes (tiny oil bubbles) to encapsulate the CoQ10 and protect it from stomach acid. Once it reaches the bloodstream, the CoQ10 can enter the cells around the body, including the eyes, to help manufacture ATP required for energy production. This vegan, plant-based liposomal CoQ10 supplement is free from gluten and soya.

Is CoQ10 safe to take?

CoQ10 supplements are generally regarded as safe to take and are usually without side effects.

If you are taking blood thinning medications, please check with your health practitioner or GP. 

REFERENCES: 

1. BeattyS, KohH, PhilM, HensonD, BoultonM. The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Surv Ophthalmol. 2000;45:115–134. [CrossRef][PubMed]
2. ShenJK, DongA, HackettSF, BellWR, GreenWR, CampochiaroPA. Oxidative damage in age-related macular degeneration. Histol Histopathol. 2007;22:1301–1308. [PubMed]
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318832206_Therapeutic_Potential_of_Co-enzyme_Q10_in_Retinal_Diseases
4. BeattyS, KohH, PhilM, HensonD, BoultonM. The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Surv Ophthalmol. 2000;45:115–134. [CrossRef][PubMed]
5. DustingGJ, TriggleC. Are we over oxidized? Oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease, and the future of intervention studies with antioxidants. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2005;1:93–97.