Stem Cell Therapy in Glaucoma

Abstract

Glaucoma is characterized by progressive ganglion cell and optic nerve damage leading to constriction of the visual fields and later to the loss of central vision. It is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases causing blindness. Increased age and elevated IOP are risk factors for developing glaucoma. Current treatment aims to lower the IOP level with pharmacological or surgical approaches. However, some glaucoma patients still undergo RGC and vision loss despite controlled IOP level. These drugs are not successful in all cases of glaucoma as they only delay the loss of vision without treating the underlying cause or regenerate RGC loss. Modern aims of glaucoma management are to avoid glaucomatous damage and nerve damage to preserve the visual field and at the same time to maintain the patient’s quality of life by limiting the side effects of the treatment. Current research aims to develop novel treatments using alternative strategies. In this regard, advances in stem biology have raised hopes that stem cell transplantation may be a potential approach for both neuroprotective and regenerative purposes.