[Degenerative diseases affecting vision]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and visual science.
• Degenerative-dystrophic disorders of the eye.

Context:

• Vision-threatening degenerative-dystrophic disorders can affect various ocular structures, including the cornea, lens, vitreous, retina, and optic nerve.
• Retinal degenerative disorders are particularly significant due to their prevalence in the elderly and severe social impact.

Purpose:

• To review the current understanding and therapeutic approaches for degenerative-dystrophic disorders across different parts of the eye.
• To highlight promising new treatments for retinal conditions like age-related macular degeneration and discuss surgical options for myopia.

Summary:

• While corneal disorders are rare and treatable with keratoplasty, and cataract surgery is highly successful, retinal degenerative disorders present significant challenges.
• Emerging therapies include retinal pigment epithelium and neuroepithelium transplantation for age-related macular degeneration, alongside surgical interventions for myopia.
• Advancements in experimental and clinical research are introducing novel therapeutic methods into ophthalmic practice.

Impact:

• New therapeutic modalities offer hope for previously untreatable conditions, particularly in age-related macular degeneration.
• Surgical interventions can improve vision in cases of excessive degenerative myopia.
• The knowledge of these advancements is valuable for ophthalmologists and potentially for physicians in other fields.