Apoptosis is the genetically regulated form of programmed cell death that permits the safe disposal of cells when they are damaged and fulfilled their intended biological function. Apoptosis starts with death signals coming from outside or inside of the cell and continue with to activate the mechanisms of apoptosis via cell death receptor or mitocondrial pathways. During apoptosis a group proteases are activated which cause DNA fragmentation, cytoplasmic shrinkage and membrane blebbing. Apoptotic cells divide into apoptotic bodies and these apoptotic bodies are then removed from tissue by phagocytes and adjacent cells. Apoptosis is regulated by some oncogenes like p53 and Bcl-2. In ophthalmology, apoptosis plays role in pathogenesis of diseases like retinoblastoma, glaucoma, retinal degenerations, retinal detachment, keratoconus and some eye disorders. Thus, to understand mechanisms that control apoptosis will allow benefits for therapy ©2006, Fırat Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi