Article

Diseases of the retina are one of the most common causes of retinal diseases in industrialized countries. In most cases, these diseases are caused by dying neural cells in the retina. To inform patients, their families and interested people about the latest developments in research and clinical practice, the MPI-CBG, the DFG Center for Regenerative Therapies at the TU Dresden (CRTD), the University Clinics Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (UKD), and PRO RETINA Deutschland e.V. jointly organized already for the 10th time the Retina Information Day on November 10, 2018, which took place in the CRTD this year.
Retinal diseases like Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration, or Glaucoma were in the focus of the event. About 150 visitors listened to five talks and at got latest updates at seven information stands. For example, Marius Ader, professor at the CRTD, talked about the current state of research regarding cell transplantation into the retina and Dominik Fischer, professor at the University of Tübingen answered the question how gene therapy works in the eye. There was a large number of visitors at the information stands during the breaks. Many visitors waited at the consultation stand of the Department of Ophthalmology of the UKD to get a tip from the doctor.

The diverse contributions are bridging basic research, therapeutic application, and integrate the valuable work of self-help groups. Many of the research approaches aim to facilitate therapies for the treatment of visual impairment and thus improve the quality of life of those affected. Recent years have also shown that many people with visual impairments and their relatives not only come to the Retina Day to hear about the latest research, but also to talk to other people affected and build a network.