Glaucoma is characterized by the progressive degeneration and loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and their axons,making it one of the most common causes of vision loss. Although the exact underlying mechanisms remain unclear, it is well known that elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for the progression of glaucoma. Currently, the primary means of controlling glaucoma involves reducing IOP through medication and surgery. Tafluprost, due to its effective and long-term ability to lower IOP, minimal side effects, high patient compliance, and absence of significant systemic side effects, has become the first-line treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Recent studies suggest that tafluprost may also have neuroprotective effects beyond its IOP-lowering effects. This article aims to review the pharmacological and potential neuroprotective effects of tafluprost, providing a theoretical basis and research foundation for developing more effective drugs for glaucoma treatment. However, there is still a lack of sufficient clinical evidence to support the neuroprotective effects of tafluprost, and further investigations are required to explore in this field to furnish critical theoretical backing for the development of drugs that target optic nerve protection and facilitate vision restoration through optic nerve regeneration.
