Glaucoma stands as the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, affecting over 70 million individuals. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). By 2040, the global prevalence of glaucoma is expected to rise to 112 million, with approximately 10% experiencing blindness in at least one eye. The primary pathological basis for visual function impairment in glaucoma progression is the loss of RGCs induced by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and various pathogenic factors. Currently, IOP-lowering treatment is the only intervention available, but it cannot completely halt the progressive injury to RGCs, nor can it reverse the optic nerve damage caused by prior disease progression. Exploring the direct pathogenic factors of RGC degeneration in glaucoma, identifying key therapeutic targets, and developing new neuroprotective treatments are of great importance. This review discusses recent advancements in the mechanisms and treatments of retinal ganglion cell degeneration in glaucoma, highlighting the significant role of neurovascular unit changes in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and the potential value of interventions. Additionally, targeting metabolites, inhibiting early inflammatory responses, and reducing oxidative stress, supplemented by nutritional and exercise support, may help delay and inhibit neurodegenerative processes, offering neuroprotective effects.Future research on glaucoma pathogenesis should focus on factors beyond IOP, exploring pathogenic factors in the pathological environment of blood flow, metabolism, and immune crosstalk for targeted therapeutic interventions. Also, verifying the neuroprotective effects of these interventions in various animal models holds promise for improving the clinical translation success rate of neuroprotection in glaucoma, thus expanding therapeutic concepts and drug options.
