Retina ganglion cell degeneration in glaucoma: an opportunity missed? A review.

Retinal ganglion cell degeneration has been reported in a range of experimental models of glaucoma. Manifest as pruning of retinal ganglion cell dendrites, it is likely to influence both the function and viability of affected cells. Electrophysiological studies in primate glaucoma have shown that affected cells retain some function and could therefore form a neural substrate for the recovery of visual function in glaucoma. Clinical studies in which the intraocular pressure is reduced have suggested that some improvement in retinal function may be possible in hypotensive eyes. These experimental studies highlight the importance of establishing the extent to which retinal ganglion cell degeneration occurs in human glaucoma. If substantial numbers of degenerating retinal ganglion cells are present in glaucoma, they could present an ideal target for the recovery of vision.