Opportunities and challenges for glaucoma research

Elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most eminent risk factor for the presence and progression of glaucoma, which leads to optic nerve damages ultimately.With the advance of ocular imaging technology, several new structural and functional risk factors have been identified.The introduction of in vivo IOP measuring devices enables the real-time monitoring the IOP fluctuation.New anti-glaucoma drugs and surgical methods have made more options for glaucoma treatment.Gene therapy and stem cell therapy have potential futures for glaucoma.Incorporation of imaging and deep learning techniques could enhance early detection and diagnosis of glaucoma.There were progresses in optic protection and regeneration.More studies are warrant to investigate the joint mechanism of gene, environment, anatomy and other factors, to develop new imaging techniques and artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic software platform based on big data, to find new antihypertensive drugs based on different targets, and to assess the efficacy and safety of optic protection and regeneration therapies.