[Neuroprotection: is it close to us?].

Glaucoma is no longer considered as an only IOP-dependent condition, but as a progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells as a result of neuronal cell injury. Several hypotheses have been raised to a better understanding of this neuronal cell death mainly driven by apoptosis. Several experimental models are under development, as well as new therapeutic approaches, aiming to slow, or stabilize glaucoma progression, as potential add-on therapy to those currently used to decrease IOP.