Retinal Anatomy and Pathology

Abstract

Normal retina contains neuroretina and retinal pigment epithelium. The neuroretina consists of outer and inner segments of photoreceptors (rods and cones), external limiting membrane, outer nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, inner plexiform layer, ganglion cell layer, nerve fiber layer and internal limiting membrane. There is a broad spectrum of retinal pathology including congenital abnormalities, dystrophies, degenerations (notably age-related macular degeneration), retinal vascular diseases, toxicities, inflammatory diseases, neoplasms, retinal detachment, trauma and retinal involvement of systemic diseases. This chapter presents a few major pathological processes in retinal diseases, especially processes that are amenable to pharmacotherapeutics.

Oxidative Stress and Vascular Dysfunction in the Retina: Therapeutic Strategies

“…The retina is a light-sensitive layer that transmits visual information from the external world via the optic nerve to the visual center of the brain [ 17 ]. The neural retina (neuroretina) is composed of nine layers, the internal limiting membrane, nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, external limiting membrane, and the rod and cone layer (photoreceptor layer).…”

Bilateral Diffuse and Cluster Pigment Epithelial Detachment Associated with Diffuse Proliferative Glomerulonephritis

“…Several hypotheses have been proposed for detachment of RPE resulting from the disintegration of the RPE union with the collagen layer of Bruch's membrane [ 1 , 5 ], but the most important reason is alternation in choroidal vascular permeability [ 3 ].…”

“…Beneath the acellular Bowman layer, the corneal stroma is composed of an extracellular matrix formed by collagens and proteoglycans. Type I and type V fibrillar collagens are intertwined with filaments of type VI collagen [ 3 , 9 ]. Given this situation of the existence of similar components (e.g., collagens) in the pathophysiology of PED and DPGN, our report might suggest a link between these diseases.…”

“…PED can appear in a setting of serous detachment (serous PED) or choroidal neovascularization, also they can be detected as an isolated finding in fundus [ 2 ]. Although the exact etiology of PED is unknown, it is evident that any disorder that can destabilize the complex attachment of the basement membrane of the RPE and Bruch membrane will have an effect on PED [ 1 , 3 ].…”

Transient Vision Restoration Training Using a Unique Virtual Reality Platform in Glaucoma

“…Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. In 2013, there were 64.3 million people with glaucoma among aged 40-80 years worldwide, which will reach 76 million by 2020 and 111.8 million by 2040 [1][2][3], of whom a sixth dwell in China [4]. Glaucoma is characterized by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) damage, optic atrophy and results in visual eld (VF) defects.…”