Some Aspects of Pathogenesis and Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) leads to a marked decrease in central vision and disrupts social and work activities of a person. This pathology is associated with age, and its clinically significant manifestations are determined in the age group from 66 to 74 years in 15% of the population, from 75 to 84 years - in 25%, from 85 years and older - in 30%. The pathogenesis of this disease is not fully understood. But the role of certain genes in the development of age-related macular degeneration has already been proved: PLEKHA1, HTRA1, CFH, CFB / C2, CRP, complement C3, ARMS2, HMCN1 / FBLN6, FBLN5, TLR3, ApoE, VEGF A and others. New genes, presumably related to AMD, continue to be investigated, for example, PLCG 2, which codes the enzyme phospholipase C. The only effective pathogenetic treatment of neovascular AMD nowadays is anti-VEGF therapy in the form of intravitreal injections. New promising areas of treatment appear: prolonged drugs (brolucizumab), combination therapy (inhibitors of the components of the complement system and anti-VEGF therapy), many of them being at various stages of clinical trials. Further study of the pathogenesis of AMD is aimed at the development of a new, more effective treatment.