Mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma

Elevated intraocular pressure is the most significantrisk factor in glaucoma but the mechanisms of retinalganglion cell death in remain incompletelyunderstood. Animal models of glaucoma provide a wayto study the possible pathogenesis of glaucomatousretinal ganglion cell death and to assess potentialneuroprotective strategies. In this volume, Dr Keith Martin describes in detailhow a trabecular laser glaucoma model can be used tostudy changes occuring in the retina and optic nerveof eyes with elevated intraocular pressure. The possible involvement of retinal glutamatetransporters in glaucoma is explored, hinting atpossible new treatment approaches. Dr Martin goes onto describe in detail the techniques that led to thefirst successful use of neurotrophic factor genetherapy to reduce retinal ganglion cell death inexperimental glaucoma.