Abstract: Glaucoma represents a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve injury, though its precise pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Recent studies have revealed significant activation of astrocytes and microglia in the retina and optic nerve head of glaucoma patients, manifested by morphological changes, migration, proliferation, and upregulation of injury-related molecular markers. Concurrently, elevated levels of inflammatory factors are observed in patient serum, suggesting that glial activation and neuroinflammation play a critical role in the pathophysiology of glaucoma. Importantly, modulating the homeostasis of astrocytes or microglia and suppressing neuroinflammatory responses exert protective effects against optic nerve injury. Therefore, further investigation into the mechanisms of glia-mediated neuroinflammation and potential regulatory strategies may offer novel therapeutic targets and interventions for optic nerve protection in glaucoma.

Key words: Glaucoma, Neuroinflammation, Astrocyte, Microglia, Inflammatory factor