NT-501 CNTF Implant for Glaucoma: Safety, Neuroprotection and Neuroenhancement

Inclusion Criteria: * must understand and sign the informed consent * must be medically able to undergo ophthalmic surgery for the NT-501 device insertion and possible removal, as well as the testing required. * diagnosis of glaucoma characterized by (a) clinical evidence of progressive RGC dysfunction and degeneration using both visual field and at least one structural modality; (b) residual visual field preservation including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) better than 20/100; (c) failure to contain glaucomatous progression with maximally tolerated reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP), OR visual field defect affecting fixation, but not reducing BCVA below 20/100. Exclusion Criteria: * other corneal, lens, optic nerve or retinal disease causing vision loss, * blind in one eye * requirement of acyclovir and/or related products during study * receiving systemic steroids or other immunosuppressive medications. * pregnant or lactating. * considered immunodeficient or has a known history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) * on chemotherapy, or a history of malignancy, UNLESS it was treated successfully 2 years prior to inclusion in the trial.