Neuroprotection Benedetto Falsini, Ronald A. Bush, Paul A. Sieving

The process of neuronal cell death following different types of injury involves apoptosis. Blocking the apoptotic cascade leading to cell death may prevent cell death and consequent loss follow- ing neuronal injury (neuroprotection). Loss of neural visual cells means effective loss of vision. Hence, neuroprotection strategies are needed to maintain neuronal integrity or to keep damaged cells functioning. In glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) lower- ing aims to prevent the insult that leads to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury. Neuroprotection aims to maintain function despite injury. Over the past 20 years, many laboratory studies of poten- tial neuroprotective agents have yielded promising results. However, the same agents have subsequently failed to show significant neuroprotective activity in humans. Therefore, any evidence of neuroprotection in humans must be confirmed by controlled human clinical trials.