There are many etiologies of macular edema (ME). Disease states like diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, vascular occlusions, and drug toxicities lead to a series of inflammatory cascades resulting in leakage and accumulation of fluids in the macula. Although the fact that damage to the inner blood-retinal barrier leads to ME is well known, the knowledge of the pathophysiologic factors leading to this damage continues to expand. This increased knowledge has led to a wider array of therapeutic options to treat ME. Maintaining a current, in-depth understanding of the processes leading to ME and the therapies available to treat it is critical to providing the most appropriate care in managing this disorder. This program will provide participants with a solid understanding of the pathophysiology of ME, update physicians on the various therapeutic options available and in development, and provide an overview of the economic impact of treating ME with the overall goal of improving visual acuity.

Julia A. Haller, MD (Chairperson)
Robert Bond Welch, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology
The Wilmer Eye Institute
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD

Baruch D. Kuppermann, MD, PhD
Professor of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering
Chief, Retina Service
Department of Ophthalmology
University of California - Irvine
Irvine, CA

Carl D. Regillo, MD
Professor of Ophthalmology
Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine
Director, Wills Clinical Retina Research Unit
Wills Eye Institute
Philadelphia, PA

George A. Williams, MD
Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology
William Beaumont Hospital
Clinical Professor of Biomedical Sciences
The Eye Research Institute of Oakland University
Rochester, MI

Introduction and Program Goals (5 min)
Julia A. Haller, MD (Chairperson)

The Pathophysiology and Molecular Basis of Therapy for Macular Edema (ME) (20 min)
Baruch D. Kuppermann, MD, PhD

Macular Edema Management Goals, Current Treatments and Future Trends (20 min)
Carl D. Regillo, MD

What Does It Cost to Treat ME? (20 min)
George A. Williams, MD

Discussion and Conclusions (15 min)
Panel

Presented by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Supported by an educational grant from Genentech, Inc.

Intended Audience
This program is designed for retina specialists and comprehensive ophthalmologists involved in the diagnosis and treatment of macular edema. There are no prerequisites for attendees.

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Discuss the pathophysiology of ME
• Identify the latest advances in the understanding of the molecular pathways leading to ME
• Describe the strategic goals of therapy and the therapeutic options to achieve them
• Identify the direct and indirect economic impact of ME

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

Accreditation Statement
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Release Date: January 15, 2008. Expiration Date: January 15, 2010.

Estimated time to complete this activity: 1.5 hours.

Policy on Faculty and Provider Disclosure
It is the policy of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine that the faculty and provider disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, and also disclose discussions of unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices during their presentation(s). Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine OCME has established policies in place that will identify and resolve all conflicts of interest prior to this educational activity. Detailed disclosure will be made during the webcast.