الفهرس 
Pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic neuropathyOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Glaucoma is a worldwide leading cause of blindness. It is defined as a progressive, multifactorial optic neuropathy characterized by specific morphological changes (optic disc cupping) resulting in acquired loss of retinal ganglion cells and retinal ganglion cells axons. Neuroprotection could be attained by enhancing the survival of retinal ganglion cells using neurotrophic factors, anti-oxidants, Erythropoietin; a glycoprotein hormone has its neuroprotective role through inhibition of retinal ganglion cells apoptosis and improving oxygenation of retina. Brimonidine, which increases the release of neurotrophic factors, inhibits glutamate toxicity and reduce calcium uptake. As regard the structural assessment, it includes; clinical assessment of retinal nerve fiber layer, Stereoscopic fundus colour photographs using fundus camera, red-free monochromatic Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer photographs & imaging techniques (e.g.; Heidleberg tomography, scanning laser polarimetry and optical coherence tomography). As regard the functional assessment, it includes; visual field testing, psychophysical tests, Electroretinogram & visual evoked potential. Recent techniques to assess neuroprotection involves detection of apoptosing retinal cells (DARC) which allow early detection of apoptosing retinal ganglion cells using fluorescent dye which labell the early apoptosing cells.