New treatments for age-related macular degeneration.
As the estimated life expectancy of the U.S. population increases, so will the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Exudative (or "wet") AMD, which is characterized by choroidal neovascularization, carries a high risk of extreme central vision loss and can severely compromise an individual's independence and quality of life. The increasing burden of AMD has created an acute need for more effective treatments. During the last several years, treatment of exudative AMD with intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) has dramatically reduced the severe visual loss usually associated with this disorder. This article summarizes the clinical presentation of AMD and reviews the treatments that are currently available.
Mittra
Robert A
RA
VitreoRetinal Surgery, P.A., USA.
Ramsay
Robert C
RC
D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006414:Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation; D006801:Humans; D008028:Light Coagulation; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D000069579:Ranibizumab; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000069579:Ranibizumab