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Glaucoma & Neurodegeneration
Description
Glaucoma is increasingly recognized as a neurodegenerative disease, defined by the progressive degeneration of the optic nerve, primarily involving the death of retinal ganglion cells. This cellular loss disrupts the connection between the eye and the brain and can ultimately lead to irreversible blindness
Neurodegeneration, more broadly, refers to the gradual loss of structure or function of neurons-often culminating in their atrophy and death-as observed in a range of disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.
In glaucoma, neurodegenerative processes specifically target retinal ganglion cells and their axons, which comprise the optic nerve. The resulting damage not only leads to vision loss but also affects central nervous system structures such as the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual cortex through mechanisms like transneuronal degeneration. These shared features align glaucoma with other neurodegenerative diseases, all of which are characterized by progressive neuronal loss, limited regenerative capacity, and, to date, no definitive cure.
Basic and Applied Research Team
Evan B. Stubbs, Jr, PhD Simon Kaja Ph.D.
Clinical Research Team
Ayesha Badar, MD Meenakshi Chaku MD Joshi Jigna MD
Glaucoma & Neurodegeneration
Description
Glaucoma is increasingly recognized as a neurodegenerative disease, defined by the progressive degeneration of the optic nerve, primarily involving the death of retinal ganglion cells. This cellular loss disrupts the connection between the eye and the brain and can ultimately lead to irreversible blindness
Neurodegeneration, more broadly, refers to the gradual loss of structure or function of neurons-often culminating in their atrophy and death-as observed in a range of disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.
In glaucoma, neurodegenerative processes specifically target retinal ganglion cells and their axons, which comprise the optic nerve. The resulting damage not only leads to vision loss but also affects central nervous system structures such as the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual cortex through mechanisms like transneuronal degeneration. These shared features align glaucoma with other neurodegenerative diseases, all of which are characterized by progressive neuronal loss, limited regenerative capacity, and, to date, no definitive cure.
Basic and Applied Research Team
Evan B. Stubbs, Jr, PhD Simon Kaja Ph.D.
Clinical Research Team
Ayesha Badar, MD Meenakshi Chaku MD Joshi Jigna MD