Ciliary neurotrophic factor(CNTF)is one of the most studied neurotrophic factors. Encapsulated cell technology provides a safe and effective route for the clinical application of CNTF. A large body of evidence shows that CNTF has a neuroprotective effect on glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, optic nerve injury and other eye diseases. This review focuses on the potential clinical application of CNTF in eye diseases.