The treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration.
BACKGROUND
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease affecting the macula, the area of the retina that has the highest visual acuity. It can progress to geographic atrophy or choroidal neovascularization.


METHODS
Selective literature review.


RESULTS
The authors discuss the results of therapeutic trials and the treatment recommendations of the ophthalmological societies. Mechanism-targeted treatments and improved modes of administration offer the potential for improved therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
With the advent of the antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, the prognosis of choroidal neovascularization has changed dramatically. Visual acuity can actually be improved, but, in most cases, the improvement can only be sustained with repeated intravitreal injections.
Joussen
Antonia M
AM
Augenklinik der Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf. JoussenA@googlemail.com
Bornfeld
Norbert
N
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008028:Light Coagulation / Q000639:trends*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000639:trends*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors