New thoughts on ocular neovascularization: A neurally controlled regenerative process?

Although the final common pathway of ocular neovascularization has been produced by a variety of stimuli in various locations in the eye, a specific unifying mechanism has not been generally accepted. Regeneration in lower vertebrates is a phenomenon that closely parallels new vessel growth in the eye, especially in its ontogenic potential and may give clues to its pathogenesis. The importance of a neural factor in regeneration has been demonstrated using several models. Interestingly, ocular tissues such as the iris, lens, and neural retina exhibit some of the most remarkable evidence for this regenerative mechanism. This article explores, through various developmental associations and clinical observations, the concept of ocular neovascularization as a neurally mediated regenerative process. Recent research utilizing a model of corneal denervation has added further support to this association.