In different animal models of RGC degeneration, activation of estrogen receptor attenuated RGC apoptosis under acute elevated IOP [106]; impaired estrogen receptor expression is observed in a mouse model with early RGC apoptosis [107]; and in Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy cells activating estrogen receptors improve cell viability by reducing apoptosis [108]. The gene discussed is ESR1; the disease is Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.