[Degenerative diseases affecting vision].

Abstract

Degenerative-dystrophic disorders threatening the vision may occur in the cornea, in the lens, in the vitreous body, in the retina and in the optic nerve. Corneal degenerative disorders are rare and mainly of hereditary origin. Keratoplasty is a successful therapeutical method. The surgical treatment of cataract is one of the most fruitful field of ophthalmic surgeons even if the development of cataracts is not in every relations understood. Degenerative disorders of the retina are not subjects of successful treatment, though some new therapeutical modalities are promising. Retinal pigmentepithelium-, and neuroepithelium-transplantation and other surgical procedures in age-related macular degeneration are new approaches in previously applied medical treatment modalities. From clinical point of view degenerative disorders of the retina have the most significance as they occur in elderly and have severe social consequences as well. Excessive degenerative myopia may be reduced in selected cases by surgical approaches. Through encouraging results of experimental and clinical research new therapeutical methods were introduced in the everyday praxis, knowledge some of these new methods are worthy for physicians outside the field of ophthalmology as well.