Principles of pharmacology in the eye

The article discusses various approaches to treating ocular diseases, including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and neuroprotective agents. Stem cells have been explored as a potential treatment for ocular diseases such as dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Gene therapies are also being developed to treat AMD and RP, with viral vectors like adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses being used to deliver therapeutic genes. Neuroprotective agents like ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) have shown promise in protecting photoreceptors and ganglion cells from damage. The article concludes that the eye is a unique therapeutic target due to its superficial nature, privileged immune system, and tolerance of non-host materials.