Novel Frontiers of Retinal Neurodegenerative Diseases

Retinal neurodegenerative diseases, such as inherited retinal dystrophies, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, involve a gradual loss of neurons in the retina as the disease progresses. Unfortunately, central nervous system neurons are not able to regenerate in mammals and the loss of retinal neurons is irreversible leading to permanent vision impairment and blindness, with no effective treatments currently. Therefore, a highly sought-after course of treatment for neuronal loss follows a neuroprotective or regenerative strategy. Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of several cutting-edge technologies, such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and tissue engineering. Due to the special characteristics of the ocular structure, some of these technologies have been translated into ophthalmological clinic practice with productive achievements, setting a good example for developing treatment strategies in other fields.

This Research Topic aims at providing a broad platform to collect advanced research results in retinal neurodegenerative diseases, including recent progress in clinical and basic research. We welcome all types of articles about but not limited to the following:
- Clinical significance of neurodegeneration in the retina
- Retinal neuroprotection and regeneration studies, e.g. mechanisms underlying the survival of retinal neurons
- Retinal inflammation and the regulation of their expression and activity.
- Retinal Imaging & functional test
- New treatments for retinal neurodegenerative diseases
- New clinical technology in retinal diseases, e.g., 3D and robotic surgery.

Topic Editor Wensheng Li is the vice president of Shanghai Aier Hospital and declares no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic Subject. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to this Research Topic either.