Age-related macular degeneration and recent developments: new hope for old eyes?

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the commonest cause of blindness in the population over 60 years of age and accounts for over 50% of those registered blind in the UK. The incidence is increasing and as older generations live longer a growing number of patients will be affected in the future. Affected patients lose central vision, important in all aspects of everyday life. This review outlines risk factors for AMD, clinical features, treatment and management strategies for patients, families and physicians caring for those with AMD. Recent trials are included along with practical clinical advice. While there is no curative treatment at present, intervention can reduce the risk of developing AMD and limit disease progression if it occurs. These modalities are discussed here. As new discoveries in the field of genetics and novel therapies emerge, a brighter future seems certain for the ageing population.

Anti-angiogenic effects of non-peptide integrin αvβ3 specific antagonist on laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice

“…Most of them are based on surgical procedures including laser therapy and intravitreal injections of medicines or antibodies [1,2], which require particular equipment and pose a risk for surgical complications. Medications with oral drugs or eye drops are commonly easier to treat a broad range of patients [3].…”

“…To prevent the onset of disorder is the most effective strategy, or once the disease has progressed, treatment is quite difficult and serious functional disabilities cause patient suffering [2].…”

“…Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of adult blindness which remarkably increased in industrial countries over the years [1,2]. To prevent the onset of disorder is the most effective strategy, or once the disease has progressed, treatment is quite difficult and serious functional disabilities cause patient suffering [2].…”

The Implantable Miniature Telescope and Quality of Life Improvements in Patients with End-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration

“…Laser treatments are used in some wet AMD cases, but their invasive nature may inadvertently destroy surrounding healthy tissue that exacerbates vision loss [64]. Laser treatments are predominantly used to slow the progression of the disorder rather than restore vision.…”

The Relationship Between Low Vision and Musculoskeletal Complaints. A Case Control Study Between Age-related Macular Degeneration Patients and Age-matched Controls with Normal Vision

“…In this respect, it is of interest to note that age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common disease leading to low vision in the western world, where the prevalence is so high that it is thought to involve one in three people at the age of seventy. [1][2][3][4] Observations from low-vision clinics indicate that ARMD patients, besides their visual deficits (e.g., central field scotomas), also report musculoskeletal complaints, such as stiffness, fatigue and muscular pain in the neck/scapular area along with nausea and dizziness. [5][6][7] Most of these complaints are considered to be due to normal aging; however, with diminishing eyesight and increasing demand on visual attention, a decreased near-work distance, higher levels of oculomotor load, the use of optical and technical magnification aids and the adoption of fatiguing postures, ARMD patients and other people with low vision may be at increased risk of developing musculoskeletal problems in the neck/scapular area, regardless of their age.…”