Neovascularization isanormalphaseoftissue repair mechanlsm. In theeye, however, sproutingofnewvessels withinavasculartissuesandtheirgreatertendencytobleed havedetrimentaleffectsonvision. Diabeticretinopathy, corneal neovascularization, age-related macular degeneration, retinal veinocclusion, andretinopathy of prematurity are major causes of blindness. In all, uncontrolled proliferationofnewvesselsistheunderlying pathologicalcauseleadingtotheinexorablelossofvision. Development of lasertechnologiesandtheir wide use in ophthalmology have broughtsomehopeforthetreqtment of these diseases. However,itbecameevident that direct closureofthenewvesselsand/orablationoflargepartsof thetissuearenotidealsolutionstotheproblem. Recent advances in molecular biology and genetic engineering have fosteredbasic knowledge regarding the growth factors and intercellular messengers and their association with theproliferationofnew blood vessels. These latter findings sparked a renewed interest in Michaelson's "X-factor" ofocular neovascularization and opened avenues for possible innovative therapeutic approaches.
Therefore, the suggestion to organize an international gathering of clinicians and scientists interested in problems of ocular circulation and neovascularization was received with great enthusiasm. Unanimously,it wasdecidedtodedicatethe symposium to Professor I.C. Michaelson, theinnovativescientist, the greatclinician, theindefatigableteacher, andaboveall, thewonderfulhumanbeing. The meeting was highlighted by the outstanding atmosphere of friendshipandscientif*ic exchanges. This book mirrors the information delivered and includes a selectionofpapersfromthescientificprogram. Theorganizationofthismeetingandthepublicationof thebookwouldnothavebeenpossiblewithouttheharmonious teameffortsmadebytheInternational,ScientificandLocal Committees. I am thankful tothe chairpersons of the varioussessionsfortheirtime, keeninterestandendeavor for the realizationofahighscientific level. I also deeplyacknowledgethehelpand&upportofArnallPatz, Bob Murphy, BertGlaser,RobertFrank,LarryHjelmeland,Gordon Klintworth, Neville Welsh, Charles Riva, Alec Garner, DesmondArcher,EphraimFriedman,MyronYanoff,MosheLahav, Willem Manschot, Hans-WaltherLarsenand Masanobu Uyama.
The powerful stimulus of Hanan Zauberman, Steve Ryan, GabrielCoscas, GiselleSoubrane, MosheIvry,YuvalYassur and Sue and Peter Ballenwasmost instrumental in the realizationofthese"dreams". Asalways, Iwasfortunate tohavetheinvaluablecollaborationofmyloyalassistants: Evelyne Cohen, Genia Maftzir, Israel Barzel, Arieh Zelikovitch, andJudithBenEzra. Thesmoothrunningofthe meeting andtimelyeditingofthebookcouldnothave been possible without theincalculablehelp and indefatigable typing and councilofJudithFisher, whoseconded me in selectingthepapersandeditingthebook.