Abstract:Circular RNAs(circRNAs)comprise a novel class of non-coding RNAs that are found to be highly abundant in eukaryotic cells and have implicated in various cellular functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Recent advances have suggested that dysregulated circRNAs play a critical role in the pathogenesis of several proliferative retinal diseases including proliferative vitreous retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, and corneal neovascularization. Here, we review current knowledge about circRNAs and summarize new insights into potential functions of some aberrantly expressed circRNAs and possible future directions in ocular proliferative diseases.