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Neuroprotective therapies for glaucoma
Authors Song W, Huang P, Zhang C
Received 8 January 2015
Accepted for publication 5 February 2015
Published 11 March 2015 Volume 2015:9 Pages 1469—1479
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S80594
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewer comments 5
Editor who approved publication: Professor Wei Duan
Wei Song, Ping Huang, Chun Zhang
Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
Abstract: Glaucoma is the second leading cause for blindness worldwide. It is mainly caused by glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) characterized by retinal ganglion cell loss, which leads to visual field defect and blindness. Up to now, the main purpose of antiglaucomatous therapies has been to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) through surgeries and medications. However, it has been found that progressive GON is still present in some patients with effective IOP decrease. Therefore, risk factors other than IOP elevation, like neurotrophin deprivation and excitotoxicity, contribute to progressive GON. Novel approaches of neuroprotection may be more effective for preserving the function of the optic nerve.
Keywords: glaucoma, glaucomatous optic neuropathy, retinal ganglion cells, neuroprotection
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