The Retina In Health And Disease

Vision is the most important sense in higher mammals. The retina is the first step in visual processing and the window to the brain. It is not surprising that problems arising in the retina lead to moderate to severe visual impairments. We offer here a collection of reviews as well as original papers dealing with various aspects of retinal function as well as dysfunction. New approaches in retinal research are described, such as the expression and localization of the endocannabinoid system in the normal retina and the role of cannabinoid receptors that could offer new avenues of research in the development of potential treatments for retinal diseases. Moreover, new insights are offered in advancing knowledge towards the prevention and cure of visual pathologies, mainly AMD, RP, and diabetic retinopathy.

This book provides a contemporary resource on one of the major players in retinal diseases – the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE). Throughout the book, the physiological and the pathological function of the RPE are covered on equal terms, to help readers to understand the RPE as a whole. Moreover, the development of RPE in diagnostics and therapy are covered, as well as some practical knowledge about RPE experimental models. Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Health and Disease highlights new findings of RPE research and includes the state-of-the-art knowledge of each RPE topic presented. This important feature sets this book apart from other publications, with the chapters following a design which leads from the general to the specific, to give a precise collection of the facts known. The chapters are written by well-known experts that are currently active in the field as consultants, basic scientists, and group leaders, providing expert guidance on the current aspects and future outlooks of this topic.

This book provides a contemporary resource on one of the major players in retinal diseases - the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE). Throughout the book, the physiological and the pathological function of the RPE are covered on equal terms, to help readers to understand the RPE as a whole. Moreover, the development of RPE in diagnostics and therapy are covered, as well as some practical knowledge about RPE experimental models. Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Health and Disease highlights new findings of RPE research and includes the state-of-the-art knowledge of each RPE topic presented. This important feature sets this book apart from other publications, with the chapters following a design which leads from the general to the specific, to give a precise collection of the facts known. The chapters are written by well-known experts that are currently active in the field as consultants, basic scientists, and group leaders, providing expert guidance on the current aspects and future outlooks of this topic.

The vitreous body long has been the most mysterious of all ocular structures, owing perhaps to its seeming simplicity. There have been few concerted, sustained efforts to unravel the mysteries of how vitreous is composed and what role it plays in normal physiology as well as pathology. Over the years, however, many studies have produced important findings concerning vitreous biochemistry, structure, physiology, and pathobiology. Published on the 25th anniversary of Sebag's first book on Vitreous, this second installment is nearly five times longer than its predecessor, reflecting how much has been learned in the past quarter century. This well-constructed compendium not only addresses the most current scientific knowledge, but also reviews clinical perspectives in a manner that lends richness to the scope of the book. Written by 90 authors, this book has 56 chapters organized into 7 sections: Biochemistry; Anatomy, Development, and Aging; Pathology/Pathobiology; Physiology and Phamacotherapy; Posterior Vitreo-Retinal Surgery; Peripheral Vitreo-Retinal Surgery; and Pharmacologic Vitreolysis. With a foreword by Coleman & Lincoff and an introduction by Wallace Foulds, Sebag's latest tome on vitreous is destined to be the authoritative text for years to come.

This book will contain the proceedings of the XIV International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (RD2010), held July 13-17, 2010, in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. The volume will present representative state-of-the-art research in almost all areas of retinal degenerations, ranging from cytopathologic, physiologic, diagnostic and clinical aspects; animal models; mechanisms of cell death; candidate genes, cloning, mapping and other aspects of molecular genetics; and developing potential therapeutic measures such as gene therapy and neuroprotective agents for potential pharmaceutical therapy.

This book addresses the issues relating to a wide variety of ocular diseases from which millions of people suffer. Long-term challenges include visual impairment and ocular blindness. Certain ocular diseases are quite rare, whereas others, such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma, are very common, especially in the aging population. A rapid expansion of new technologies in ocular drug delivery and new drug candidates, including biologics, to treat these challenging diseases in the retina and posterior segments of the eye have recently emerged. These approaches are necessary because the eye has many unique barriers to drug delivery. Thus, this timely reference Drug Delivery for the Retina and Posterior Segment Disease compiles and analyzes recent advances in the research and development of drug delivery systems for retina and posterior segment diseases of the eye, with an emphasis on the use of implantable devices, iontophoresis as well as micro- and nanoparticles.

The ability to see deeply affects how human beings perceive and interpret the world around them. For most people, eyesight is part of everyday communication, social activities, educational and professional pursuits, the care of others, and the maintenance of personal health, independence, and mobility. Functioning eyes and vision system can reduce an adult's risk of chronic health conditions, death, falls and injuries, social isolation, depression, and other psychological problems. In children, properly maintained eye and vision health contributes to a child's social development, academic achievement, and better health across the lifespan. The public generally recognizes its reliance on sight and fears its loss, but emphasis on eye and vision health, in general, has not been integrated into daily life to the same extent as other health promotion activities, such as teeth brushing; hand washing; physical and mental exercise; and various injury prevention behaviors. A larger population health approach is needed to engage a wide range of stakeholders in coordinated efforts that can sustain the scope of behavior change. The shaping of socioeconomic environments can eventually lead to new social norms that promote eye and vision health. Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative: Vision for Tomorrow proposes a new population-centered framework to guide action and coordination among various, and sometimes competing, stakeholders in pursuit of improved eye and vision health and health equity in the United States. Building on the momentum of previous public health efforts, this report also introduces a model for action that highlights different levels of prevention activities across a range of stakeholders and provides specific examples of how population health strategies can be translated into cohesive areas for action at federal, state, and local levels.