Functional assessment of retinal neovascularizations

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) results in vascular damage and impaired neuronal function. Proliferative DR (PDR) is characterized by hypoxia and subsequent neovascularization, yet the resulting impact of these events on retinal function is unknown. Currently, the only therapeutic intervention in PDR is the delay of neovascularization, achieved by photocoagulation to decrease oxygen consumption. However, it has not been determined, whether these newly formed vessels have only adverse effects or whether neovascularizations are sufficient to perfuse the inner retina and thus prevent the loss of neuroretinal function. An…