European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Glaucoma is a first rank common cause of irreversible vision loss. It is also
recognized as a neurodegenerative disease which progress with age, results in optic
neuropathy. The exact cause of glaucoma remains unclear although oxidative stress
considered as one of the reasons for cell death in the retinal ganglion cell and retinal
pigment epithelium. Oxidative stress could result after imbalance between formation and
utilization of reactive oxygen species. Current pharmacotherapy of glaucoma includes
lowering down of elevated level of IOP, which is not sufficient enough to retard
irreversible vision loss in some instances. Hence, alternative neuroprotective therapy is
warranted. Polyphenolic compounds possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and
also show the neuroprotective effect in an experimental model. Amongst the natural
polyphenolic compounds resveratrol, curcumin, rutin, quercetin, myricetin have been
studied and showed potential as neuroprotection against cell apoptosis. Moreover, the extra
supplement of a polyphenolic compound may also improve antioxidant status, which was
underestimated in glaucoma disorder. Despite the potential, the polyphenolic compounds
yet to explore for clinical use in ocular disorder. Hence it is an excellent opportunity for
the future researcher to transform these substances from lab to clinic as neuroprotectants
in glaucoma.