The present invention provides novel compounds, compositions, methods and uses for treating microvascular disorders, eye diseases and respiratory conditions based upon inhibition of a target gene. More specifically, the present invention relates to positional motifs of modified ribonucleotides useful in the design of siRNA compounds. In particular, the ribonucleotides include modified internucleotide linkages and/or modified sugar moieties. These novel siRNA compounds may be used therapeutically to treat a variety of diseases and indications.