Glaucoma - A Window into Future Neurodegeneration

Abstract

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Recent studies propose glaucoma to be a neurodegenerative disease due to overlap with diagnoses such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Emerging reports have linked glaucoma as a risk factor for future certain neurodegenerative diseases, however, results have been conflicting. The development of degenerative brain disease consists of both a genetic and environmental component. If diagnosed with glaucoma, patients should take additional measurements to reduce the likelihood of developing additional nerve cell loss.