Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a multipotent pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in apoptosis, cell survival, inflammation and immunity. TNF-α is involved in the inflammatory response of the trabecular meshwork in glaucoma patients, which may lead to impaired outflow and elevated intraocular pressure. It has also been shown that TNF-α is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma, and that TNF-α and its receptors can both promote neuroinflammation and secondary neuronal damage and may play a protective role under pathological conditions. (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2023, 47: 257-263)

Key words: glaucoma, tumor necrosis factor-α