Prolonged microgravity exposure during long-duration spaceflight (LDSF) produces unusual physiologic and pathologic neuro-ophthalmic findings in astronauts. These microgravity-associated findings collectively define the Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). In this book, the editors compare and contrast prior published work on SANS by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Space Medicine Operations Division with retrospective and prospective studies from other research groups. The book describes the possible mechanisms and potential etiologies for SANS, and provides an update and review on the clinical manifestations of SANS including: unilateral and bilateral optic disc edema, globe flattening, choroidal and retinal folds, hyperopic refractive error shifts, and focal areas of ischemic retina (i.e., cotton wool spots). The ocular imaging findings (e.g., retinal nerve fiber layer, optic disc, and choroidal changes on optical coherence tomography) of SANS is also described, including the intraorbital and intracranial findings on orbital ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The knowledge gaps for in-flight and terrestrial human research including potential countermeasures for future stud is also explored, including reports on the in-flight and terrestrial human and animal research being investigated by NASA and its partners to study SANS both prospectively and longitudinally and in preparation for future long duration manned missions to space including the moon, the asteroid belt, or Mars. We think this is a unique topic and hope that NASA and its research partners continue to study SANS in preparation for future longer duration manned space missions.

This volume of Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science focuses on the molecular biology of eye disease.

Handbook of Basic and Clinical Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics provides a review of the basic anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology of the eye with a focus drug therapy, drug delivery and use of therapeutic medical miniature devices. An understanding of the pharmacological actions of drugs acting on the eye requires the student and health care practitioner to learn additional principles in basic and clinical sciences that are unique to this organ. As a sensory organ, the eye is relatively inaccessible to the systemic circulation due to the blood-vitreous, blood-aqueous and blood-retinal barriers. Consequently, the administration of drugs for therapeutic effects in the eye necessitates an understanding of physico-chemical properties of the molecules and pharmacokinetic principles involved in the access to its site of action via topical, intracameral and intravitreal administration. This book includes information on the general principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs as it pertains to the eye and in combating ocular disorders and diseases. Using a disease-themed approach, the book discusses basic and clinical pharmacological principles involved in the therapy of these diseases including the ocular side effect of systemically-administered drugs, drugs used in ophthalmic surgery and miscellaneous agents, the therapeutic utility of biologics, drug conjugates, combination products, gene and cellular therapy are also covered. Handbook of Basic and Clinical Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics is useful as a primary and secondary source of reference for up-to-date information about the pharmacological mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, side effects, drug-drug interactions and therapeutic indications of drugs for pharmacologists, pharmaceutical scientists, students in the health care disciplines (nursing, pharmacy, optometry, medical), and practitioners in optometry and ophthalmology.

The Fovea: Structure, Function, Development, and Disease summarizes the current biological knowledge regarding the two types of the vertebrate fovea (and its main structural elements, the Muller cells). This information is then used to explain different aspects of human vision, foveal development, and macular disorders. Sections give an overview of the retinal structure and the different types of retinal glia, survey the structure and function of the primate and non-mammalian fovea types, discuss foveal development-with a focus on the human fovea, cover the roles of Muller cells and astrocytes in the pathogenesis and regeneration of various human macular disorders are described. Using a translational approach, this reference is a valuable text for scientists, clinicians and physicians interested in the fovea. Readers will gain a new understanding of the cellular basics of the fovea, which is the most important part of the eye.

Named after the pioneering Scottish ophthalmologist, Sir Stewart Duke-Elder, this exam is intended for medical students who have completed their ophthalmology undergraduate teaching, but it is open to all medical undergraduates provided they have not graduated at the time of the examination. Students may take the examination on more than one occasion provided they have not yet graduated and have not previously won the prize. The exam is a notoriously competitive and difficult exam to sit during medical school. Each year students can register for the exam before December and the exam is held in early March. Two hours are allocated to answer ninety multiple choice questions. The standard of some questions that students encounter is beyond those of the undergraduate ophthalmology curriculum experienced during medical school. It consists of questions from the different sub-specialties within ophthalmology (Eye News). Sponsored by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the candidate gaining the highest mark will be offered to chance to visit St John's Eye Hospital in Jerusalem. The winning candidate can alternatively choose a cash prize of GBP400. Although not a mandatory part of ophthalmology training, students are encouraged to take the exam as a pass gives a credit on the CV and also gains points towards an ST1 interview. It is also good practice in preparation for other exams. Compiled by authors who have all passed the Duke Elder examination, this book presents 180 multiple choice questions and answers with clear and in depth explanations. The first section provides a structured practice paper sectioned out by topic to assist revision, and the second section consists of a full unstructured mock exam. Questions have been written specifically with the Duke Elder exam in mind, making this book an invaluable revision aid to help achieve success in the examination.

Retinal Computation summarizes current progress in defining the computations performed by the retina, also including the synaptic and circuit mechanisms by which they are implemented. Each chapter focuses on a single retinal computation that includes the definition of the computation and its neuroethological purpose, along with the available information on its known and unknown neuronal mechanisms. All chapters contain end-of-chapter questions associated with a landmark paper, as well as programming exercises. This book is written for advanced graduate students, researchers and ophthalmologists interested in vision science or computational neuroscience of sensory systems. While the typical textbook's description of the retina is akin to a biological video camera, the real retina is actually the world's most complex image processing machine. As part of the central nervous system, the retina converts patterns of light at the input into a rich palette of representations at the output. The parallel streams of information in the optic nerve encode features like color, contrast, orientation of edges, and direction of motion. Image processing in the retina is undeniably complex, but as one of the most accessible parts of the central nervous system, the tools to study retinal circuits with unprecedented precision are up to the task. This book provides a practical guide and resource about the current state of the field of retinal computation. Editorial Reviews: "...this book is also a unique overview of our current understanding of the why and the how of retinal computation and there is something here for anyone with a grounding in vision science who recognises that there is more to what the retina does than... meets the eye." -- Prof Steven Dakin, New Zealand Optics, May 28, 2022. "I want to commend Dr. Schwartz for assembling this incredible resource and strongly recommend Retinal Computation to everyone who is a student of vision. The vast majority of modern topics in retina are covered yet in a fashion that is clear, and concise. The book covers the cellular and circuit basis of computations ranging from those covered by most textbooks, such as center-surround receptive field or direction selectivity , to those you probably do not associated with the retina such as "motion anticipation" and "threat detection". Each chapter is self-contained, meaning you can easily "pick and choose" the topics. A quick perusal of the chapter titles are almost certainly going to pique your interest. For example, you may know that the retina has single photon sensitivity but do you know "How many photons does it take to create a percept"? (Chapter 1). How does the retina encode texture (i.e. spatial fluctuations within the receptive field)? (Chapter 7). Is object motion sensitivity related to Direction selectivity? (Chapter 12). The list goes on. This book will also serve as a great resource for those teaching advanced undergraduate or graduate level vision courses for students with backgrounds in experimental or computational vision science. Each chapter contains what Dr. Schwartz's considers a "landmark paper" in the field, with a set of questions that can be used as a guide for reading these papers. And finally he includes programming exercises that can be easily implemented in Matlab to address basic concepts introduced in the chapter. The instructions are detailed so that even those new to Matlab will be able to implement these exercises these straightforward. It is this combination - textbook chapter + primary literature + quantitative exercises that will solidify these concepts. There are many vision science topics not covered in the book. For example, there is little on retinal disease or development. But these limitations are far outweighed by where the book succeeds. The vast majority of the book is written by Dr. Schwartz, giving it a uniformity that is welcome. Despite tackling quite modern questions where there is ongoing progress, Dr.Schwartz has extracted what are key findings that are likely to stand the test of time. And finally, it is really interesting! For those who think that the retina is "solved", think again. Retinal computations is a fantastic way for all circuit neuroscientist to learn how much computations can be achieved with very few synapses." -- Marla B. Feller, Ph. D., Paul Licht Distinguished Professor in Biological Sciences, Division of Neurobiology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology & Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute University of California, Berkeley "This fantastic new textbook from a rising star in the field clearly and thoroughly updates our picture of what the retina computes. It is detailed enough for senior researchers but also pedagogical, providing a go-to reference for students. The illustrations within the text and for the chapter headings are both beautiful and informative." -- Stephanie E. Palmer, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, Department of Physics, University of Chicago "This book summarizes the impressive recent progress in understanding how visual computations are performed by retinal circuits. The book is an important resource not only for retinal experts, but more generally for anyone seeking to explain how the brain works at the level of neural circuits. Greg Schwartz and his co-authors have made a major contribution to the field." -- Sebastian Seung, Anthony B. Evnin '62 Professor, Neuroscience Institute and Computer Science Dept., Princeton University "This is a wonderful book from a true expert in the retina field. It is a fantastic resource for researchers, lecturers, and students alike. The book nicely covers the many facets of how the retina processes the visual input that enters the eye. Despite the richness in material, the presentation manages to stay accessible and always connects back to fundamental questions of visual processing. Each chapter by itself is a great entry point into a particular area of how the neural network of the retina deals with a specific set of visual challenges. I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful overview of retinal computation, served on a silver platter, and I will use the book both as background material for research and as a resource for teaching. I particularly like the sets of exercises that conclude each chapter." -- Dr. Tim Gollisch, Professor for Sensory Processing in the Retina, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Goettingen

Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry reviews the most current practices in both ophthalmology and optometry. A distinguished editorial board, headed by Dr. Myron Yanoff, identifies key areas of major progress and controversy and invites expert ophthalmologists and optometrists to contribute original articles devoted to these topics. Broken into sections, this sixth volume in the series covers topics within each of the following categories: Optometry, Cataracts, Pediatrics, Ophthalmic Pathology & Ocular Oncology, Vitreoretinal Disease, Glaucoma, Neuro-ophthalmology, Oculoplastics, and Uveitis.

Advances in Ophthalmology and Optometry reviews the most current practices in both ophthalmology and optometry. A distinguished editorial board, headed by Dr. Myron Yanoff, identifies key areas of major progress and controversy and invites expert ophthalmologists and optometrists to contribute original articles devoted to these topics. Broken into sections, the the third Volume in the series covers topics within each of the following categories: Optometry, Cataracts, Pediatrics, Ophthalmic Pathology & Ocular Oncology, Vitreoretinal Disease, Glaucoma, Neuro-ophthalmology, Oculoplastics, and Uveitis.