Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
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Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation
Published on: March 12, 2016
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Beyond the Eye: Glaucoma and the Brain
Marco Zeppieri1,2, Federico Visalli3, Mutali Musa4,5
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
Brain Sciences
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Glaucoma involves more than just the eye; it shows brain changes similar to neurodegenerative diseases. This suggests new treatments targeting the central nervous system (CNS) for glaucoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Neurodegeneration
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Research
Background:
- Glaucoma traditionally viewed as an ocular disease causing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss.
- Emerging evidence indicates glaucoma involves trans-synaptic neurodegeneration and central brain changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting glaucoma's classification as a CNS disease.
- To explore shared mechanisms between glaucoma and neurodegenerative disorders.
- To discuss clinical implications of glaucoma's brain involvement.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of neuroimaging and neurocognitive studies in glaucoma patients.
- Synthesis of evidence on central nervous system (CNS) pathology in glaucoma.
- Exploration of shared pathophysiological mechanisms with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Main Results:
- Glaucoma patients exhibit brain connectivity alterations and cortical thinning.
- Shared mechanisms include mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and impaired axonal transport.
- Glaucoma shares neurodegenerative pathways with diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Conclusions:
- Glaucoma's pathophysiology extends to the central nervous system (CNS).
- Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative strategies targeting the CNS offer therapeutic potential.
- Neuroimaging biomarkers and brain-targeted interventions may advance glaucoma diagnosis and treatment.
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