Understanding Neuroprotection in Glaucoma

Living with glaucoma can be daunting, and you’re not alone — millions face this challenge worldwide. Even if you’re undergoing treatments to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), the worry about ongoing vision loss might still linger. That is where neuroprotection emerges, offering hope and new avenues for preserving your sight. 

But what exactly does neuroprotection mean for you, and how can it impact your glaucoma journey? Let’s delve into the concept of neuroprotection, understand its significance in treating glaucoma, and explore the latest breakthroughs that could make a difference in your life.

Neuroprotection refers to strategies and interventions to protect the nerve cells (neurons) from degeneration or death. In the context of glaucoma, neuroprotection specifically targets the nerve cells in your eyes called retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, the primary neurons affected by the disease. Neuroprotection in glaucoma aims to preserve these cells and prevent the progressive vision loss that characterizes the disease.

To manage glaucoma, doctors traditionally focus on lowering IOP, the only proven method to slow down the progression of the disease. However, not all patients respond adequately to IOP-lowering treatments, and some continue to lose vision despite achieving target IOP levels. As a result, researchers are exploring neuroprotective strategies as an adjunct to IOP-lowering therapies.

Neuroprotection is crucial because it directly addresses the health of the RGCs, aiming to preserve vision even when IOP-lowering treatments are insufficient. By protecting these cells, neuroprotective therapies could potentially reduce the risk of blindness in glaucoma patients.

Researchers have found several ways to help protect your eyes from the damage caused by glaucoma:

Researchers are exploring different ways to protect your eyes from the damage caused by glaucoma. Here are some promising treatments that researchers are currently studying:

Brimonidine

Brimonidine is an existing medication used to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma. Besides lowering pressure, it helps protect the RGCs in your eyes by reducing stress and preventing cell death.

Nicotinamide

Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) has shown promise as a potential therapeutic approach for glaucoma. Recent studies suggest that nicotinamide may help protect RGCs by enhancing mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting cell energy production. By bolstering cellular defenses and preventing further damage to the optic nerve, nicotinamide could play a key role in neuroprotection for glaucoma patients, potentially slowing disease progression and preserving vision.

Coenzyme Q10 and citicoline

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and citicoline are emerging as supportive treatments for glaucoma, particularly for their neuroprotective properties. CoQ10, an antioxidant, helps protect retinal ganglion cells from oxidative stress, a critical factor in glaucoma-related damage. Its ability to stabilize mitochondria and improve cellular energy production supports retinal health. 

Citicoline, a precursor to phosphatidylcholine, promotes neuronal health by enhancing membrane repair and improving neurotransmitter function, especially in the optic nerve. These supplements may help slow glaucoma progression by protecting the optic nerve and supporting overall eye health, although they are generally considered complementary to standard treatments.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is a new and experimental approach that could one day help people with glaucoma. The idea is to use stem cells to replace the damaged nerve cells in your eyes, potentially restoring lost vision. Although this treatment is still in its early stages, it has shown promise in initial studies.

Neuroprotection represents a promising frontier in the treatment of glaucoma. While current therapies primarily focus on lowering IOP, neuroprotective strategies aim to preserve the essential RGCs for vision directly. Hopefully, as research progresses, neuroprotective treatments will become a standard part of glaucoma care, offering new hope to patients at risk of blindness.

The tireless work of researchers continues to lead to a better understanding of glaucoma every day. As a result, there’s great hope for new and improved treatments, including superior drug delivery methods, laser treatments, and less invasive surgical techniques. You can help make that happen! Your support can help dedicated researchers continue to discover cures for glaucoma. Your donations also give hope to those living with glaucoma and accelerate our search for a cure.

This article was reviewed for scientific accuracy by Tonia S. Rex, PhD. Posted on October 14, 2024.