Abstract
The blood-retinal barrier (BRB) consists of inner and outer components (inner BRB and outer BRB) and plays by itself a fundamental role in the microenvironment of the retina. The presence of tight junctions (zonulae occludentes) between neighbouring retinal endothelial cells at the inner BRB and between retinal pigment epithelial cells at the outer BRB is particularly relevant for the barrier function. Retinal edema and breakdown of the BRB are major features of the two most frequent retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy and wet age-related macular degeneration. Diabetic retinopathy is initiated by a breakdown of the inner BRB whereas choroidal neovascularization invades the retina in wet age-related macular degeneration by breakdown of the outer BRB. The last years have seen a generalized and surprisingly safe utilization of intravitreal injections, a form of administration that circumvents the BRB. Steroids and a variety of anti-VEGF drugs have been administered through intravitreal injections to a large number of patients without significant side effects and demonstrating good acceptance by the patients.
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