Abstract: Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells and degenerative changes in the optic nerve, with multiple mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis that are not yet well understood. Astrocytes are one of the main cell types that make up the retina and optic disc, and during fluctuations in intraocular pressure and retinal tissue injury, astrocytes become activated and participate in the response by releasing various immune regulatory factors or chemotactic factors with neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects. Recent studies have shown that astrocytes play an important role in glaucoma optic neuropathy, and regulating the reactivity of astrocytes may provide potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of glaucoma. (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2024, 48:  133-138)

Key words: glaucoma, astrocytes, retinal ganglion cell, optic nerve injury