The treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration

Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009 May;106(18):312-7. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0312. Epub 2009 May 1.

Abstract

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease affecting the macula, the area of the retina that has the highest visual acuity. It can progress to geographic atrophy or choroidal neovascularization.

Method: Selective literature review.

Results: The authors discuss the results of therapeutic trials and the treatment recommendations of the ophthalmological societies. Mechanism-targeted treatments and improved modes of administration offer the potential for improved therapy.

Conclusions: With the advent of the antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, the prognosis of choroidal neovascularization has changed dramatically. Visual acuity can actually be improved, but, in most cases, the improvement can only be sustained with repeated intravitreal injections.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration; macular degeneration; monoclonal antibodies; off-label treatment; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / complications*
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Light Coagulation / trends*
  • Macular Degeneration / complications*
  • Macular Degeneration / therapy*
  • Photochemotherapy / trends*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors