Protecting retinal ganglion cells

Eye (Lond). 2017 Feb;31(2):218-224. doi: 10.1038/eye.2016.299. Epub 2017 Jan 13.

Abstract

Retinal ganglion cell degeneration underlies several conditions which give rise to significant visual compromise, including glaucoma, hereditary optic neuropathies, ischaemic optic neuropathies, and demyelinating disease. In this review, we discuss the emerging strategies for neuroprotection specifically in the context of glaucoma, including pharmacological neuroprotection, mesenchymal stem cells, and gene therapy approaches. We highlight potential pitfalls that need to be considered when developing these strategies and outline future directions, including the prospects for clinical trials.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Glaucoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / pathology
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / therapy*
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / pathology*

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents