Treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the greatest cause of legal blindness in the western world. Established treatments include argon laser photocoagulation of extrafoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) and photodynamic therapy of selected sub-foveal CNV. Newer approaches are targeting the angiogenic pathway in CNV development. Currently, other treatment modalities, such as radiotherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy do not have a clear role to play. Surgical options are experimental and only available in some centres for selected patients. Prevention of AMD remains elusive. Dietary supplements may have a role, while statins and prophylactic laser photocoagulation of drusen remain experimental. This paper explains the principles behind these approaches.
Bylsma
Guy W
GW
Centre for Eye Research Australia, Locked Bag 8, East Melbourne, VIC, 8002, Australia.
Guymer
Robyn H
RH
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000628:therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents