Retina and Apoptosis

Abstract

It is known that apoptosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of many retinal diseases. Diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity and retinoblastoma are examples of these diseases. Several ocular and extraocular neurodegenerative diseases share common feature early and pathological death of retinal cells. This provides a potential early diagnosis window in which to delay and possibly halt pathologic processes before they cause significant harm. Agents with mechanisms that reduce, or delay apoptosis are still being investigated as treatment modalities in retinal diseases.