Is primary open-angle glaucoma part of a generalized sensory neurodegeneration? A review of the evidence

Open-angle glaucoma is an optic neuropathy that has a multifarious aetiological profile. Emerging theories suggest that a group of factors induce optic nerve injury in innately susceptible aging optic nerves. These factors have the potential to impact on the function of other vulnerable neurons within the central nervous system of older patients. Although changes within the visual pathways due to retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and death are well established, research exploring the behaviour of other sensory systems in individuals with glaucoma is limited. This review summarizes what is known about these other non-visual sensory changes, explores whether glaucoma is in fact part of a global neurodegenerative condition, and suggests areas for future research direction.