The treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration.

Dtsch Arztebl Int · 2009

review · Level V

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Abstract

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. METHOD: 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.