Neuroprotection strategies from the research lab ('cause there aren't any ready for prime time yet)

摘要

We now know that open-angle glaucoma (OAG) happens at all intraocular pressure (IOP) levels. Thus, it is irrational to believe that the treatment should be to 'normalize' the IOP or to lower IOP below 21 as the goal of treatment. If we operationalize the concept that glaucoma happens at any IOP, then we should determine in each patient an average baseline untreated IOP. From this level, IOP-lowering will occur. There is good evidence from recent clinical trials that lowering of IOP by 20-30% decreases progressive worsening in OAG by 50-60%. So, we have already got a means of neuroprotection, namely, lowering IOP.