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Abstract #49179 Published in IGR 14-1
Retina ganglion cell degeneration in glaucoma: an opportunity missed? A review
Morgan JEClinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2012; 40: 364-368
Retinal ganglion cell degeneration has been reported in a range of experimental models of glaucoma. Manifest as pruning of retinal ganglion cell dendrites it is likely to influence both the function and viability of affected cells. Electrophysiological studies in primate glaucoma have shown that affected cells retain some function and could therefore form a neural substrate for the recovery of visual function in glaucoma. Clinical studies in which the intraocular pressure is reduced have suggest that some improvement in retinal function may be possible in hypotensive eyes. These experimental studies highlight the importance of establishing the extent to which retinal ganglion cell degeneration occurs in human glaucoma. If substantial numbers of degenerating retinal ganglion cells are present in glaucoma, they could present an ideal target for the recovery of vision.
School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4LU, UK.
Full articleClassification:
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
6.12 Ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods)
5.2 Primates (Part of: 5 Experimental glaucoma; animal models)
