An evolutionary perspective on the photoreceptor damage response

• PURPOSE: To review recent advances related to the response to photoreceptor damage and to place this knowledge in an evolutionary context. • DESIGN: Synthesis of published laboratory, clinical, and epidemiologic data. • METHODS: The authors have synthesized the principal published findings related to the mechanism and function of the photoreceptor damage response with the goal of trying to understand the selective pressures that shaped its evolution. • RESULTS: The past several years have seen considerable advances in understanding the molecular and cellular basis of the retina's response to photoreceptor damage. From their analysis of laboratory, clinical, and epidemiologic data, the authors suggest that the photoreceptor damage response may have evolved to counter the effects of retinal tears and detachment, infectious retinitis, and/or light damage. • CONCLUSIONS: If the natural response to photoreceptor damage can be fully defined, it may be possible to augment desirable aspects of the damage response and/or suppress undesirable ones in the context of a wide variety of photoreceptor diseases.