Is neuroprotection a viable therapy for glaucoma?

Arch Ophthalmol. 1999 Nov;117(11):1540-4. doi: 10.1001/archopht.117.11.1540.

Abstract

Treatment of glaucoma continues to be directed at lowering intraocular pressure to decrease the likelihood of disease progression. In the future intraocular pressure reduction might be augmented by other therapeutic approaches. Interest has been increasing in preventing progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy using approaches based on the premise that glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease. Neuroprotection of the glaucomatous optic nerve therefore would be an adjuctive therapeutic paradigm for use with conventional intraocular pressure-lowering treatments or by itself.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Progression
  • Glaucoma / drug therapy*
  • Glaucoma / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / physiopathology
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / drug effects

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents