Melatonin Protects the Retina from Glaucomatous Damage

RUTH E. ROSENSTEIN; MARÍA C. MORENO; PABLO H. SANDE; NURIA DE ZAVALÍA; MÓNICA S. CHIANELLI; MARÍA INÉS KELLER SARMIENTO; NICOLÁS BELFORTE

Glaucoma: Etiology, Pathogenesis and Treatments

Nova Science Publishers, Inc

Lugar: New York; Año: 2011; p. 41 - 70

Abstract   Glaucoma is a complex disease with a number of risk factors and mechanisms which lead to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Ocular hypertension is probably the most important risk factor for primary angle open glaucoma, the more frequent form of glaucoma. However, other factors such as excitotoxicity, reduced antioxidant defense system activity, and an increase in the nitridergic pathway activity have been suggested as possible additional causes for glaucomatous damage. The current management of glaucoma is mainly directed at the control of intraocular pressure (IOP); however, a therapy that prevents the death of RGCs and optic nerve head fiber loss should be the main goal of treatment. In recent years, melatonin has been identified as a neuroprotector in experimental animal models of various neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. In this chapter, we will consider evidence supporting that melatonin, a very safe compound for human use, should be regarded as a new therapeutic resource for the management of glaucoma.