Age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

This review investigates age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is a degenerative retinal disease. The pathogenesis of the disease is unknown, but tobacco smoking is a significant risk factor for the development of the disease. The wet form of AMD can be treated by intraocular injection of an antibody that binds vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is involved in the disease process. The introduction of anti-VEGF treatment is a major reason why blindness secondary to wet AMD is now negligible. The demographic development can be expected to increase the demand for treatment of AMD considerably in the future.