Ganglion cell dysfunction in glaucomatous optic neuropathy has been ascribed to ganglion cell electrophysiological inactivation and to apoptotic cell death. Near-to-infrared light stimulation has been used to induce mitochondrial activation and to prevent apoptotic death through mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c stimulation. Near-to-infrared light stimulation might be useful to induce ganglion cell activation and inhibit apoptotic cell death.~We propose that near-to-infrared light stimulation can be used as an adjuvant treatment combined with ocular hypotensive treatment in glaucomatous patients.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate if near-to-infrared light stimulation can improve retinal ganglion cell function in glaucomatous patients.