ABSTRACT
Neuronal death is thought to be irreversible.In optic nerve-related diseases,the death and axonal loss of retinal ganglion cells could lead to irreversible visual impairment.A large number of studies support the hypothesis that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs),once activated by particular ligands,could have a potential neuroprotective effect on the peripheral organs and the central nervous system suffering from acute or chronic injury.Optic nerve belongs to the extension of white matter in the central nervous system and shares similar pathophysiological processes with the central nervous system,which makes PPARs a hot spot in the field of optic nerve protection.This paper reviewed the effect of PPARs in optic nerve protection and its possible mechanism.