Neuroprotection in ophthalmology: a review.

Evidence has accumulated that damaged neural cells may not inevitably degenerate, and that in vivo cells which are not directly injured by an insult may be adversely affected by adjacent dying cells. Neuroprotection is a strategy which aims to maximize recovery of injured neural cells and minimize secondary damage to neighboring cells. In this work, we review the current knowledge from neuroprotection research using in vitro and animal models of eye diseases, and clinical data.