What does DARC stand for in the context of glaucoma?

DARC stands for Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells. This term is used in the context of glaucoma to refer to a technique that identifies retinal cells undergoing apoptosis, which is a form of programmed cell death. In glaucoma, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are crucial for vision and their loss contributes to the progression of the disease. By detecting these cells before irreversible damage occurs, it can aid in early intervention and treatment strategies.

This detection is significant for both understanding the disease mechanism and for development of new therapies aimed at neuroprotection or regenerative strategies. Identifying cells that are in the process of dying allows clinicians to monitor the severity of the condition more effectively and tailor treatments accordingly.