Programmed cell death(PCD)is a unique cell death involving effector molecules, including various forms such as apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. PCD is involved in many aspects of normal physiological activities in humans, and is closely related to the development of many diseases. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Relevant studies have shown that the development of glaucoma is associated with the abnormal expression of a variety of PCD-related proteins. The mechanism and interplay of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and parthanatos of retinal ganglion cells in the course of glaucoma were reviewed, to provide a new direction for the prevention treatment of glaucoma.