title: Advance in the pathogenesis and treatment of normal-tension glaucoma.
abstract: Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) is a multifactorial disease where mechanical stresses and vascular alterations to the optic nerve head probably represent the key pathogenic moments. Although intraocular pressure (IOP) plays a crucial role in the retinal ganglion cell loss, the IOP reduction does not necessarily reduces the disease progression. Therefore, several IOP-independent factors such as glutamate toxicity, oxidative stress, autoimmunity, and vascular dysregulation have been considered in the pathogenesis of NTG. Numerous evidences documented an impairment of the ocular blood flow, involved both in the onset and progression of the disease. The IOP reduction remains the main strategy to reduce the damage progression in NTG. Recently, new treatment strategies have been proposed to improve the control of the disease. Neuroprotection is a rapidly expanding area of research, which represents a promising tool. In the present review, we summarize the recent scientific advancements in the pathogenesis and treatment of NTG.
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmology Unit Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Rodolfo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mastropasqua
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Ophthalmology Clinic, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Fasanella
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Ophthalmology Clinic, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Agnifili
authors.affiliation: Department of Specialist, Diagnostics and Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Ophthalmology Service, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fresina
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmic Clinic Department of Surgical Science, Eye Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Di Staso
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmic Clinic Department of Surgical Science, Eye Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Gregorio
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmology Unit Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marchini
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmic Clinic Department of Surgical Science, Eye Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. Electronic address: marco.ciancaglini@cc.univaq.it.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciancaglini
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D057066:Low Tension Glaucoma / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: NTG; NTG pathogenesis; NTG therapy; Neuroprotection; Vascular dysregulation