Neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in glaucoma

Angela C. Gauthier, Ji Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Glaucoma is the principal cause of irreversible blindness in the world. The disease leads to progressive optic nerve degeneration with a gradual loss of retinal ganglion cells. Neurodegeneration in glaucoma extends beyond the eye into the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual cortex, and the disease even shares some characteristics with other central nervous system degenerative disorders. Glaucoma destroys neurons through oxidative stress, impairment in axonal transport, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity. Autophagy may promote or inhibit disease progression. Currently, lowering intraocular pressure is the only way proven to delay glaucoma advancement. However, many new therapies are being developed, including antioxidants, adenosine receptor antagonists, Rho-pathway inhibitors, stem cell therapy, and neurotrophic factors. These therapies focus on neuroprotection, and they may eventually halt glaucoma progression or reverse the process of the disease itself.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)73-79
Number of pages7
JournalYale Journal of Biology and Medicine
Volume89
Issue number1
StatePublished - Mar 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Glaucoma
  • Intraocular pressure
  • Neurodegenerative diseases
  • Neuroprotection
  • Stem cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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