Open AccessCurrent concepts in the pathophysiology of glaucoma
Author(s) -
Renu Agarwal,
Suresh Gupta,
Puneet Agarwal,
Rohit Saxena,
S. Agrawal
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
indian journal of ophthalmology/indian journal of ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.542
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1998-3689
pISSN - 0301-4738
DOI - 10.4103/0301-4738.53049
Subject(s) - glaucoma , optic neuropathy , pathophysiology , medicine , optic nerve , retinal ganglion cell , ophthalmology , neuroscience , intraocular pressure , blindness , review article , optometry , pathology , psychology
Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness, is characterized by changes in the optic disc and visual field defects. The elevated intraocular pressure was considered the prime factor responsible for the glaucomatous optic neuropathy involving death of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. Extensive investigations into the pathophysiology of glaucoma now reveal the role of multiple factors in the development of retinal ganglion cell death. A better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy is crucial in the development of better therapeutic options. This review is an effort to summarize the current concepts in the pathophysiology of glaucoma so that newer therapeutic targets can be recognized. The literature available in the National Medical Library and online Pubmed search engine was used for literature review.