Abstract
In addition to aqueous humour and blood, cerebrospinal fluid also plays an important part in the pathophysiology of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and, in particular, normal-tension
glaucoma (NTG). Apart from the important role of CSF pressure in papillary congestion, the composition of the CSF and its flow rate are relevant. CSF is in contact with the brain, the spinal
canal and the optic nerve. In neurodegenerative disease, one potential pathophysiological factor, apart from an altered composition of the CSF, is a decrease in flow rate. Changes in CSF
composition and flow rate have also been described in the perioptic subarachnoid space of the optic nerve in patients with normal tension glaucoma. Such findings indicate that primary open
angle glaucoma and normal tension glaucoma especially, might be due to a neurodegenerative process.
Key words
normal tension glaucoma - cerebrospinal fluid - neurodegeneration - Alzheimer disease - primary open-angle glaucoma