Taurine is a common amino acid in almost all kinds of tissues of animals. Several researches have pointed out that taurine is essential for protecting retinal ganglion cells(RGCs). The mechanisms are summarized as follows: 1)Reducing the NMDA-induced RGC excitotoxicity 2)Regulating the function of Müller cells 3)Protecting function of mitochondria 4)Stimulating regeneration of the optic nerve 5)Promoting accommodative regulation 6)Improving the microcirculation of retina. Glaucoma is one kind of ophthalmopathy leading to apoptosis of RGCs. Recently, taurine has been proved to be effective in protecting the RGC in several aspects, both in vitro and vivo experiments. This indicates a potential treatment of optic nerve in glaucoma or other ophthalmic diseases.