Current Concepts in the Biochemical Mechanisms of Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration

Glaucoma is now regarded as a neurodegenerative disorder. A number of theories including the mechanical and vascular models have been used to explain the pathogenesis of glaucoma. However, there is now increasing evidence of biochemical molecules which may play a part in it's causation. These biochemical mechanisms include the role of excitatory aminoacids, caspases, protein kinases, oxygen free radicals, nitric oxide, TNF-alpha, neurotrophins and metalloproteins. This paper reviews these new developments which form the biochemical basis of glaucomatous neural degeneration. How to cite this article: Ahmad SS, Ghani SA, Rajagopal TH. Current Concepts in the Biochemical Mechanisms of Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration. J Current Glau Prac 2013;7(2):49-53.