American journal of ophthalmology
-
To evaluate the evidence supporting a role for senescent changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulatory physiology in the pathogenesis of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). ⋯ On the basis of the evidence available from the peer-reviewed literature, our tentative conclusion is that age-related changes in CSF circulatory physiology and the subsequent decrease in CSF turnover, with diminished clearance of toxic substances, can account for, at least in part, the pathogenesis of NTG. It should be stressed that for the moment at least, the present hypothesis remains unproven. Further research will be necessary to determine the possible role of CSF circulatory dysfunction in NTG. If confirmed, this hypothesis could provide new, important insights into the pathogenesis of NTG.