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Review
. 2024 Nov 19;25(22):12400.
doi: 10.3390/ijms252212400.

Interplay Between Ocular Ischemia and Glaucoma: An Update

Valeria Coviltir  1   2 , Miruna Gabriela Burcel  3   4 , George Baltă  2   5 , Maria Cristina Marinescu  6
Affiliations
Review

Interplay Between Ocular Ischemia and Glaucoma: An Update

Valeria Coviltir et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Glaucoma is a main cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, with a high impact on productivity and quality of life. The mechanical and ischemic theories are currently the most recognized pathophysiological pathways that explain the neurodegeneration of retinal nerve fibers in glaucoma. In this narrative review, aspects of ischemia in glaucoma are discussed, including vascular dysregulation, retinal ischemia signaling pathways, roles of vascular endothelial growth factors, and future research and therapeutic directions. In conclusion, a better understanding of the ischemic processes in glaucoma may lead to innovative treatment options and improved management and follow-up of our patients.

Keywords: glaucoma; retinal ischemia; vascular dysregulation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A model of vascular theory in glaucoma pathogenesis. The interplay between the increased IOP, oxidative stress, and vascular factors that lead to tissue ischemia is responsible for the damage in the retinal nerve fiber layer and, subsequently, glaucomatous neuropathy.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Suggested mechanism involving ischemia, oxidative stress, and, ultimately, retinal ganglion cell death, which is the key pathogenic mechanism in glaucoma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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