Current perspective of neuroprotection and glaucoma

Kailin Tian,1,2 Shannon Shibata-Germanos,1 Milena Pahlitzsch,1 M Francesca Cordeiro1,3 1Glaucoma and Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; 2Eye Centre, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 3Western Eye Hospital, ICORG, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK Abstract: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and is most notably characterized by progressive optic nerve atrophy and advancing loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The main concomitant factor is the elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Existing treatments are focused generally on lowering IOP. However, both RGC loss and optic nerve atrophy can independently occur with IOP at normal levels. In recent years, there has been substantial progress in the development of neuroprotective therapies for glaucoma in order to restore vital visual function. The present review intends to offer a brief insight into conventional glaucoma treatments and discuss exciting current developments of mostly preclinical data in novel neuroprotective strategies for glaucoma that include recent advances in noninvasive diagnostics going beyond IOP maintenance for an enhanced global view. Such strategies now target RGC loss and optic nerve damage, opening a critical therapeutic window for preventative monitoring and treatment. Keywords: glaucoma, retinal ganglion cell, neuroprotection