NEW THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES – WHY DO WE NEED THEM?

Vital P. Costa, MD.

Director, Glaucoma Service, University of Campinas, Brazil

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo, Brazil

Although intraocular pressure remains as the most important risk factor for the development of glaucoma, and lowering it is the only clinically validated method of treating the disease, there is enough evidence to support the existence of other factors that may contribute to glaucomatous damage. The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma are not fully elucidated and probably include pressure-dependent and pressure-independent pathways. This presentation will discuss the rationale and the potential clinical application of blood flow improvement, neuroprotection, and genetic therapy as additional tools in the treatment of glaucoma.