title: Neuroprotection in glaucoma.
abstract: Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. Recent evidence suggests that intraocular pressure (IOP) is only one of the many risk factors for this disease. Current treatment options for this disease have been limited to the reduction of IOP; however, it is clear now that the disease progression continues in many patients despite effective lowering of IOP. In the search for newer modalities in treating this disease, much data have emerged from experimental research the world over, suggesting various pathological processes involved in this disease and newer possible strategies to treat it. This review article looks into the current understanding of the pathophysiology of glaucoma, the importance of neuroprotection, the various possible pharmacological approaches for neuroprotection and evidence of current available medications.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne and Glaucoma Unit, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia. sushilvasudevan@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Sushil K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Vasudevan
authors.forename: Viney
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Jonathan G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Crowston
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D018674:Adrenergic Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D011453:Prostaglandins