Neovascularization isanormalphaseoftissue repair mechanlsm. In theeye, however, sproutingofnewvessels withinavasculartissuesandtheirgreatertendencytobleed havedetrimentaleffectsonvision. Diabeticretinopathy, corneal neovascularization, age-related macular degeneration, retinal veinocclusion, andretinopathy of prematurity are major causes of blindness. In all, uncontrolled proliferationofnewvesselsistheunderlying pathologicalcauseleadingtotheinexorablelossofvision. Development of lasertechnologiesandtheir wide use in ophthalmology have broughtsomehopeforthetreqtment of these diseases. However, itbecameevident that direct closureofthenewvesselsand/orablationoflargepartsof thetissuearenotidealsolutionstotheproblem. Recent advances in molecular biology and genetic engineering have fosteredbasic knowledge regarding the growth factors and intercellular messengers and their association with theproliferationofnew blood vessels. These latter findings sparked a renewed interest in Michaelson's "X-factor" ofocular neovascularization and opened avenues for possible innovative therapeutic approaches. Therefore, the suggestion to organize an international gathering of clinicians and scientists interested in problems of ocular circulation and neovascularization was received with great enthusiasm. Unanimously, it wasdecidedtodedicatethe symposium to Professor I.C. Michaelson, theinnovativescientist, the greatclinician, theindefatigableteacher, andaboveall, thewonderfulhumanbeing. The meeting was highlighted by the outstanding atmosphere of friendshipandscientif·ic exchanges. This book mirrors the information delivered and includes a selectionofpapersfromthescientificprogram. Theorganizationofthismeetingandthepublicationof thebookwouldnothavebeenpossiblewithouttheharmonious teameffortsmadebytheInternational, ScientificandLocal Committees. I am thankful tothe chairpersons of the varioussessionsfortheirtime, keeninterestandendeavor for the realizationofahighscientific level. I also deeplyacknowledgethehelpand & upportofArnallPatz, Bob Murphy, BertGlaser, RobertFrank, LarryHjelmeland, Gordon Klintworth, Neville Welsh, Charles Riva, Alec Garner, DesmondArcher, EphraimFriedman, MyronYanoff, MosheLahav, Willem Manschot, Hans-WaltherLarsenand Masanobu Uyama. The powerful stimulus of Hanan Zauberman, Steve Ryan, GabrielCoscas, GiselleSoubrane, MosheIvry, YuvalYassur and Sue and Peter Ballenwasmost instrumental in the realizationofthese"dreams". Asalways, Iwasfortunate tohavetheinvaluablecollaborationofmyloyalassistants: Evelyne Cohen, Genia Maftzir, Israel Barzel, Arieh Zelikovitch, andJudithBenEzra. Thesmoothrunningofthe meeting andtimelyeditingofthebookcouldnothave been possible without theincalculablehelp and indefatigable typing and councilofJudithFisher, whoseconded me in selectingthepapersandeditingthebook

Adequate blood supply to the eye is an important prerequisite for normal visual function. Over the past 40 years our knowledge of ocular blood flow regulation has improved significantly. This reader-friendly textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of ocular blood flow. Lavishly illustrated, it evaluates the wide array of methods that have been used to measure ocular blood flow. Furthermore, it not only offers the reader an evidence-based summary of the physiological and pharmacological properties of ocular blood flow regulation, but also demonstrates the ocular blood flow abnormalities in different vascular diseases. This book will enhance the understanding of all who are interested in learning more about ocular blood flow in health and disease.

This presentation describes the unique anatomy and physiology of the vascular beds that serve the eye. The needs for an unobstructed light path from the cornea to the retina and a relatively fixed corneal curvature and distance between refractive structures pose significant challenges for the vasculature to provide nutrients and remove metabolic waste. To meet these needs, the ocular vascular beds are confined to the periphery of the posterior two thirds of the eye and a surrogate circulation provides a continuous flow of aqueous humor to nourish the avascular cornea, lens and vitreous compartment. The production of aqueous humor (and its ease of egress from the eye) also generates the intraocular pressure (IOP), which maintains the shape of the eye. However, the IOP also exerts a compressing force on the ocular blood vessels that is higher than elsewhere in the body. This is particularly true for the intraocular veins, which must have a pressure higher than IOP to remain patent, and so the IOP is the effective venous pressure for the intraocular vascular beds. Consequently, the ocular circulation operates at a lower perfusion pressure gradient than elsewhere in the body and is more at risk for ischemic damage when faced with low arterial pressure, particularly if IOP is elevated. This risk and the specialized tissues of the eye give rise to the fascinating physiology of the ocular circulations.

This book provides a comprehensive account of the pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of ocular vascular occlusive disorders, with the focus very much on the scientific evidence. This offers a sound basis for addressing the many controversies that surround these disorders, which collectively constitute the most common cause of visual impairment or blindness. The book is divided into two sections, the first of which addresses the basic science and encompasses vascular anatomy, blood supply and flow, and retinal tolerance time to acute ischemia. The second, clinical, section covers the presentation, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of the full range of vascular occlusive disorders of the retina, the choroid, the anterior segment of the eye, ophthalmic manifestations of carotid artery disease and the optic nerve. Ocular Vascular Occlusive Disorders, written by a distinguished world leader in the field, will be invaluable for general ophthalmologists, and particularly for retina specialists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and researchers.