Pharmacotherapy of age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Background: Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. The number of persons with vision loss from age-related macular degeneration is projected to increase dramatically over the next few decades. Therefore, effective therapeutic and prophylactic agents are greatly needed.

Objective: This article will discuss some of the newer treatment strategies that may help to reduce the incidence of visual loss from age-related macular degeneration. Some of these therapies and strategies can be implemented today, while many are hypothetical based on current laboratory data and ongoing clinical trials.

Methods: A review of the literature and ongoing clinical trials was undertaken.

Conclusion: Current therapies using antioxidants for prevention of the progression of age-related macular degeneration and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies for neovascular age-related macular degeneration have given us tools for tackling this disease better and reducing the number of patients with vision loss. Combinations of some of the existing treatments and new forms of therapy may yet further decrease the treatment burden in the future.