Thermal Physics and Glaucoma: From Thermodynamic to Biophysical Considerations to Designing Future Therapies

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical approach to glaucoma, with the aim of improving the comprehension of the biophysical bases for new possible therapies. The approach is based on a non-equilibrium thermodynamic model. The results point to the fundamental role of the membrane’s electric potential and of its relation with inflammation and ion fluxes. A new viewpoint is suggested to consider anti-inflammation and photobiomodulation as possible therapies for glaucoma.

Keywords

• biophysics
• glaucoma
• non-equilibrium thermodynamics
• ions fluxes
• transport theory
• thermodynamics of bio-systems