Changes in energy metabolism associated with optic nerve injury in glaucoma

The slow progressive injury of retinal ganglion cells is the pathological feature of optic nerve injury in glaucoma. The physiological activities of retinal ganglion cells require a lot of energy, so they are susceptible to changes in energy supply. Studies have shown that glaucoma causes changes in retinal energy metabolism. Therefore, understanding the pattern and characteristics of metabolic changes is helpful in understanding the optic nerve damage in glaucoma. This article reviews the changes in retinal energy and retinal energy metabolism pathways associated with optic nerve injury in glaucoma. By analyzing indicators such as the level of landmark metabolites, key enzymes and energy metabolism substrates of two important energy metabolism pathways, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, to explore relevant optic nerve energy protection strategies.