A review of treatments for macular degeneration: a synopsis of currently approved treatments and ongoing clinical trials.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this report is to review recent literature and ongoing clinical trials of the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.


RESULTS
Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration and choroidal neovascularization have resulted in the emergence of pharmacotherapies targeting various aspects of angiogenesis. Preliminary results with the new agents have been encouraging. Moreover, longer follow-up and subgroup analyses of the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Photodynamic Therapy and Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy studies have suggested new potential indications for photodynamic therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Currently a patient with wet macular degeneration may have multiple investigational options that were unavailable several years ago. Ongoing clinical trials are aimed at determining the long-term safety and efficacy of these new pharmacologic and combination therapy modalities.
Liu
Mimi
M
Retina Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Regillo
Carl D
CD
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D010778:Photochemotherapy
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors