title: Current knowledge and trends in age-related macular degeneration: genetics, epidemiology, and prevention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To address the most dynamic and current issues concerning human genetics, risk factors, pharmacoeconomics, and prevention regarding age-related macular degeneration.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online review of the database Pubmed and Ovid was performed, searching for the key words: age-related macular degeneration, AMD, pharmacoeconomics, risk factors, VEGF, prevention, genetics and their compound phrases. The search was limited to articles published since 1985 to date. All returned articles were carefully screened and their references were manually reviewed for additional relevant data. The webpage www.clinicaltrials.gov was also accessed in search of relevant research trials.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 366 articles were reviewed, including 64 additional articles extracted from the references and 25 webpages and online databases from different institutions. At the end, only 244 references were included in this review.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Age-related macular degeneration is a complex multifactorial disease that has an uneven manifestation around the world but with one common denominator, it is increasing and spreading. The economic burden that this disease poses in developed nations will increase in the coming years. Effective preventive therapies need to be developed in the near future.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; and †Department of Ophthalmology, Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado.
authors.forename: Raul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Velez-Montoya
authors.forename: Scott C N
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.forename: Jeffrey L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.forename: Stuart L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Fine
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Quiroz-Mercado
authors.forename: Naresh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mandava
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014943:Global Health; D017048:Health Care Costs; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000975:Antioxidants; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors