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Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

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01-05-2009 | Review Article

Age-related ocular vascular changes

Authors: Rita Ehrlich, Nisha S. Kheradiya, Diana M. Winston, Daniel B. Moore, Barbara Wirostko, Alon Harris

Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology | Issue 5/2009

Abstract

Background

The global society is aging at an increasing rate, with a continually larger proportion of the population consisting of those over the age of 65. Age-related vascular changes have been demonstrated in ocular tissue, and the incidence and prevalence of diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and vascular occlusive diseases increase significantly with age.

Methods

This article reviews the current body of literature examining age-associated ocular vascular changes, and summarizes the aggregate findings. We discuss the potential role of the aging vasculature in the etiology of age-associated ocular disease, focusing on glaucoma.

Results

Our working hypothesis is that although advancing age is a physiological phenomenon, there are stepwise hemodynamic and vascular changes that occur, predisposing the eye and other tissue beds to pathological conditions. Advancing age does not independently give rise to disease, but does generate increasingly vulnerable vascular beds that are susceptible to further insults.

Conclusions

These results compel a need for further investigation of age-related changes in ocular physiology and pathophysiology.

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Title: Age-related ocular vascular changes
Authors: Rita Ehrlich
Nisha S. Kheradiya
Diana M. Winston
Daniel B. Moore
Barbara Wirostko
Alon Harris
Publication date: 01-05-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology / Issue 5/2009
Print ISSN: 0721-832X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-702X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-008-1018-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Age-related ocular vascular changes

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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