Section 12 of the Academy's Basic and Clinical Science Course™ (BCSC^®) is arranged into three parts. Part one begins with an overview of the retina and its relationship to the pigment epithelium, choroid and vitreous plus discusses the major retinal disorders and their appropriate diagnostic methods and treatment principles.

Section 12 of the BCSC, part two covers specific diseases and trauma to the posterior segment and provides appropriate diagnostic techniques, plus reviews vitreoretinal diseases and management and therapy of retinal diseases.

Part three provides key knowledge about cryotherapy for posterior segment diseases and includes select therapeutic topics, plus laser therapy and vitreoretinal surgery.  A chapter on gene therapy covers the common types of DNA therapy: gene augmentation, optogenetics, and genome editing.

This section features 29 videos (sample), including videos on diagnostic B-scan ultrasonography and common vitreoretinal procedures. More than 175 figures, illustrations, photos, and ten interactive activities are included to aid your understanding. Both print and eBook users have access to the videos and animations.

Upon completion of Section 12, readers should be able to:

• Select appropriate methods of examination and ancillary studies for the diagnosis of vitreoretinal disorders
• Describe the principles of medical and surgical treatment of vitreoretinal disorders
• Incorporate data from major prospective clinical trials in the management of selected vitreoretinal disorders

Section chair: Stephen J. Kim, MD
Last major revision: 2022–2023

Print: 528 pages

eBook: Read Academy eBooks online from nearly any computer, or download eBooks to your mobile device with the free Academy eBooks app. For eBook features, requirements and licensing, visit: aao.org/ebooks. Please allow up to 90 minutes for receiving an access key (via email) that will allow you to retrieve your eBook after purchase.

Print ISBN: 978-1-68104-794-2
eBook ISBN: 978-1-68104-820-8
Print & eBook ISBN: 978-1-68104-807-9

About the BCSC
The Academy’s Basic and Clinical Science Course™ is ophthalmology’s definitive source of clinical information. Practicing ophthalmologists and residents worldwide use the BCSC^® to ensure the highest-quality patient care.

Each of the 13 volumes includes up-to-date clinical knowledge, concise text, tables, photos and illustrations, multimedia, self-assessment questions with answers, and opportunities for earning AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Beginning with the 2013–2014 edition, the Academy and the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) have partnered to make the BCSC the standard text for all European ophthalmology training programs. The EBO now recommends the BCSC as the primary educational resource for European trainees and ophthalmologists studying for the annual EBO Diploma Exam.

CME Information
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology designates this enduring material for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.