Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Pathophysiology, Management, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Among older adults, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent disabling condition that begins as subtle visual disturbances and can progress to permanent loss of central vision. In its late neovascular form, AMD is treatable with inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor, the key driver of exudative disease. In the atrophic form, treatment remains elusive. This review addresses the natural history of AMD - through early, intermediate, and advanced disease stages - and concentrates on diagnosis and risk stratification, deficiencies of current treatments, and the promising findings of emerging therapies.

Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration; Biomarkers; Geographic atrophy; Macular neovascularization.