Age-related macular degeneration: Current and novel therapies

Prasad, Pradeep S.; Schwartz, Steven D.; Hubschman, Jean-Pierre

doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.02.006

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Volume 66, Issue 1 , Pages 46-50, May 2010

Age-related macular degeneration: Current and novel therapies

Pradeep S. Prasad
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Retina Division, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Steven D. Schwartz
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Retina Division, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Jean-Pierre Hubschman
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Retina Division, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Corresponding author at: Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7000, USA.

Received 16 December 2009; received in revised form 8 February 2010; accepted 8 February 2010. published online 22 February 2010.

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60 with a prevalence that continues to rise, particularly in industrialized nations. Although treatments for AMD were once limited, with disappointing clinical results, new treatments have emerged for both the nonexudative and exudative forms of the disease, which have improved prognostic outcomes. These treatments include nutritional supplementation, antioxidant prophylaxis, and intravitreal injection of medications that inhibit aberrant vascular proliferation. This review serves as a summary of the current and experimental therapies for both exudative and nonexudative AMD. Although a number of challenges and clinical questions remain, the future of treating AMD appears promising particularly as we gain further insights into the genetic and biochemical pathways of the disease.

Keywords: Macular degeneration, Exudative, Nonexudative, Treatment, Vitamin, Antioxidant, Neuroprotection, VEGF