Neuroprotection: Extrapolating from Neurologic Diseases to the Eye

PURPOSE: To review the current status of neuroprotection in ophthalmic disease. DESIGN: Perspective. METHODS: Published and unpublished data on neuroprotection in neurologic and ophthalmologic diseases were reviewed and interpreted. RESULTS: Almost all clinical studies of neuroprotection in neurologic and ophthalmologic disease so far have failed to show efficacy, despite encouraging preclinical studies. CONCLUSIONS: Achievement of consensus on how to design and execute translational research in neuroprotection in ophthalmic disease would optimize the use of resources and would hasten the development and approval of effective neuroprotective agents. (Am J Ophthalmol 2009;148:186-191. (C) 2009 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)