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...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inClinical and experimental optometry Vol. 88; no. 5; pp. 322 - 334
Main Authors Bylsma, Guy W., Guymer, Robyn H.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Oxford, UK Taylor & Francis 01.09.2005
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Subjects
Animals
Humans
Hyperthermia, Induced
Laser Coagulation
macular degeneration
Macular Degeneration - therapy
Photochemotherapy
Photosensitizing Agents - therapeutic use
Prognosis
treatment
Treatment Outcome
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary: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.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-3
content type line 23
ObjectType-Review-1
ISSN:0816-4622
1444-0938
DOI:10.1111/j.1444-0938.2005.tb06716.x