Dear Colleagues,

Most living organisms have developed an aerobic metabolism, using oxygen as the main trigger for the metabolic reactions used to build the necessary constituents for life. However, in this process oxygen can generate highly reactive molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful to cellular components such as DNA, proteins, and lipids. The eye is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its exposure to light and oxygen-rich environments. Oxidative stress can affect tissues in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, possibly leading to pathologies such as dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, diabetic retinopathy or oxidative retinopathies (ROP) typical of premature newborns. It's important to note that while oxidative stress can have negative consequences, it is a normal part of cellular metabolism. The key is to maintain a balance between ROS production and antioxidant defenses to minimize the damaging effects of oxidative stress. However, there are genetic conditions in which the antioxidant defense is insufficient, so that oxidative stress can contribute to the development and progression of several hereditary diseases of the retina. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Stargardt disease, Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) and juvenile retinoschisis are the main examples of such pathologies.

The aim of this special issue is to focus on the molecular mechanisms which lead from oxidative stress to overt pathology, and the different therapeutic strategies that can be implemented in order to prevent, limit or treat the damage caused by oxidative stress in the eye, taking into account the limits of systemic or topic administration.

Manuscripts accepted can span from new hypotheses on the molecular mechanisms, formulation of new products to improve the bioavailability in the eye of the active components, as well as preclinical and clinical biochemical investigations addressing the efficacy of old and new treatments for such conditions.

Dr. Dario Rusciano
Guest Editor