[The mechanisms of neuronal death in glaucoma].

The current therapy of glaucoma (drugs, LASER, surgery) acts mainly on the trabecular meshwork and on the ciliary body. The loss of the visual function in glaucoma is however determined by the disfunction and death of the ganglion cells. The main theories trying to explain the death of the ganglion cells in glaucoma are analyzed. Their practical value is represented by the finding of the ideal neuroprotective drug.