NYMC Faculty Publications
Biomechanical Aspects of Axonal Damage in Glaucoma: A Brief Review
DOI
10.1016/j.exer.2017.02.005
Journal Title
Experimental Eye Research
First Page
13
Last Page
19
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2017
Department
Ophthalmology
Abstract
The biomechanical environment within the optic nerve head (ONH) is complex and is likely directly involved in the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma. Unfortunately, our understanding of this process is poor. Here we describe factors that influence ONH biomechanics, including ONH connective tissue microarchitecture and anatomy; intraocular pressure (IOP); and cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFp). We note that connective tissue factors can vary significantly from one individual to the next, as well as regionally within an eye, and that the understanding of ONH biomechanics is hindered by anatomical differences between small-animal models of glaucoma (rats and mice) and humans. Other challenges of using animal models of glaucoma to study the role of biomechanics include the complexity of assessing the degree of glaucomatous progression; and inadequate tools for monitoring and consistently elevating IOP in animal models. We conclude with a consideration of important open research questions/challenges in this area, including: (i) Creating a systems biology description of the ONH; (ii) addressing the role of astrocyte connective tissue remodeling and reactivity in glaucoma; (iii) providing a better characterization of ONH astrocytes and non-astrocytic constituent cells; (iv) better understanding the role of ONH astrocyte phagocytosis, proliferation and death; (v) collecting gene expression and phenotype data on a larger, more coordinated scale; and (vi) developing an implantable IOP sensor.
Recommended Citation
Stowell, C., Burgoyne, C., Tamm, E., Ethier, C., & Lasker/IRRF Initiative on Astrocytes and Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration Participants. (2017). Biomechanical Aspects of Axonal Damage in Glaucoma: A Brief Review. Experimental Eye Research, 157, 13-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2017.02.005
Comments
Sansar C. Sharma, Opthalmology professor at New York Medical College, is a collaborator in The Lasker/IRRF Initiative on Astrocytes and Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration.