Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
09:46
An Ex Vivo Explant Model for Studying Glial Interactions in the Mouse Retina
Published on: July 15, 2025
Neuroprotection in glaucoma: recent and future directions
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. h.daneshmeyer@auckland.ac.nz
Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|January 22, 2011
Summary
Neuroprotective therapies aim to prevent retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma. While some agents show promise in animal models, human trial success remains limited, highlighting the need for better research models and guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glaucoma is characterized by damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs).
- Neuroprotective therapy seeks to prevent RGC death by targeting neuronal death pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuroprotective strategies for glaucoma.
- To summarize preclinical studies on potential neuroprotective agents over the last two years.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies on glaucoma neuroprotection.
- Analysis of various animal models for glaucoma research.
- Evaluation of therapeutic agents including NMDA inhibitors, brimonidine, neurotrophins, and others.
Main Results:
- Animal models for glaucoma research present challenges in replicating human disease.
- NMDA inhibitors like memantine have shown limited success in human trials.
- Topical brimonidine and bioenergetic approaches show potential neuroprotective benefits in animal models.
- Exogenous neurotrophins delay RGC death, and other strategies involve immune modulation and stem cells.
Conclusions:
- Refinement of glaucoma animal models and neuroprotective strategies is ongoing.
- Establishing consensus guidelines for translational research is crucial for advancing neuroprotection.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...