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.

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.