ABSTRACT
The glaucomas are a group of ocular diseases that affect approximately 70 million people worldwide (1). Hallmarks include the loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons, morphological changes in the optic nerve head, and a characteristic pattern of visual loss (2-5). A key glaucoma risk factor involves intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP is elevated in most, but not all, forms of glaucoma (6,7). IOP is also the primary glaucoma-related factor that can currently be therapeutically manipulated (8,9). Unfortunately, the attempt to treat glaucoma by managing IOP is not always effective. We, and others, envision a future when improved patient outcomes might be achieved by using new therapeutic strategies that complement existing options. If this long-term goal is to be achieved, a fuller understanding of all forms of glaucoma pathogenesis will be necessary.
