Vinpocetine & Retinal Disorders

Vinpocetine is a derivative of the common periwinkle plant. As of 2010, it has been researched and used for the past 20 years in Europe for a range of disorders associated with circulatory problems in the brain. Vinpocetine also has recently become available as a dietary supplement. According to Jerry Cott, Ph.D., vinpocetine is also used to treat a range of retinal disorders with significant improvement in up to 70 percent of patients.

Retina

• The retina is the transparent light-sensitive membrane that lines the back of your eye. The cornea and lens at the front of your eye are responsible for focusing light onto the retina. A highly specialized area at the center of the retina, called the macula, contains many cells that sense light. Called cones, these cells are responsible for producing sharp images in your central vision. Based around the macula, cells called rods are responsible for sensing low level light, peripheral vision and night vision. The optic nerve is just behind the retina and carries signals from the rods and the cones to the brain. The optic nerve and retina receive a rich blood supply from the brain.

Retinal Disorders

• Retinal disorders affect the retina and can lead to blindness. Examples include diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy is a side effect of diabetes that leads to a reduced blood supply to the retina and reduced vision. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of permanent blindness in the elderly. It affects people over age 50 with known risk factors the most. Glaucoma is the most common cause of blindness in the United States and occurs when pressure within the eye causes damage to the retina and the optic nerve.

Effectiveness

• According to Dr. Cott, vinpocetine has been used successfully to treat a range of retinal disorders linked to problems with blood flow to the retina, including macular degeneration and glaucoma. Nutritionist Robert Redfern reports that results of vinpocetine supplementation were more favorable in macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Why It Works

• A report in a Hungarian clinical journal on eyesight reflects the beneficial results seen with vinpocetine. According to the clinical journal, the effects may be due to the fact that the blood vessels of the eye are directly connected with the circulation of the brain, where vinpocetine is known to work by improving circulation and aiding healing.

Side Effects

• According to a WebMD article on vinpocetine, it appears to be “possibly safe for most people.” Side effects reported in clinical trials have included nausea, stomach pain, sleeping problems, dizziness, headache and flushing of the face.

Precautions

• Web MDadvises that if you are pregnant or breast feeding you should avoid using vinpocetine, because not enough is known about its use during these times.

  If you have any condition that causes blood clotting, or if you are going to have surgery in the next 2 weeks, WebMD advises against using vinpocetine as it might increase the risk of bleeding.