Retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury is a common eye disease, as manifested in apoptosis of retinal ganglion cell, which results in serious diseases such as the optic nerve damage and produces disastrous influence on vision and life of the patient. Cell apoptosis is the self-dying process, which is controlled by a variety of gene. This article assesses functions of different gene in promoting ganglion cell apoptosis after retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.