Blood-retinal barrier

The blood-retinal barrier selectively regulates exchange between blood and retinal tissue. Its inner component is formed by retinal vascular endothelial cells, and its outer component by the retinal pigment epithelium.

Inner blood-retinal barrier: The retinal barrier formed by tight junctions between retinal vascular endothelial cells. This is the vascular component that limits exchange from retinal blood vessels.
Diabetic retinopathy: A diabetes-related retinal disease involving vascular damage, leakage, and progressive visual impairment. Damage to retinal vessels disrupts barrier function and contributes to leakage.
Retina: The light-sensitive neural tissue lining the back of the eye that converts light into neural signals. The barrier protects this tissue while allowing controlled access to nutrients and signaling molecules.
Blood-retinal barrier breakdown: Loss of the blood-retinal barrier's normal selectivity, allowing abnormal movement of fluid or molecules into retinal tissue. Understanding how and where breakdown begins could improve disease detection and treatment.
Outer blood-retinal barrier: The retinal barrier formed by tight junctions between retinal pigment epithelial cells. This epithelial component separates the neural retina from the choroidal blood supply.
Diabetic macular edema: Retinal thickening from fluid accumulation in the macula associated with diabetes. Barrier breakdown allows fluid and proteins to accumulate in the central retina.
Blood–brain barrier: A selective interface between circulating blood and the central nervous system, formed chiefly by brain endothelial cells. It shares endothelial tight-junction principles with the inner retinal barrier.
Vascular endothelial growth factor: A signaling protein that promotes blood-vessel growth and increases vascular permeability. Its effects can weaken retinal vascular barriers, while blocking it treats several leakage disorders.
Tight junction: A cell-to-cell junction that seals the space between neighboring cells and restricts passage between them. Tight junctions provide the principal paracellular seal in both barrier layers.
Retinal vein occlusion: Blockage of a retinal vein that can cause hemorrhage, edema, and reduced vision. Venous pressure and ischemia can impair barrier integrity and produce retinal leakage.

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