[Surgery for age-related macular degeneration. Still an option in the age of pharmacotherapy?]

Abstract

This review assesses the relevance of surgical approaches for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with respect to the pathophysiology of AMD and the current pharmacological possibilities. We discuss the different surgical approaches such as subretinal membrane excision, cell transplantation (IPE and RPE) and transplantation of retina and choroid (PATCH), as well as translocation surgery. Peeling of epiretinal membranes in patients with drusen as well as vitrectomy before epiretinal brachytherapy (VIDEON system) are the final topics. While overall pharmacotherapy has displaced surgical approaches, surgery is worthy of consideration in selected cases. For these patients surgical options need to be maintained in the armamentarium of retinal surgeons.