Latest Treatment Options in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Sohel Somani, MD, FRCSC, Clinical Instructor, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto; Associate Staff, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, ON.

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a progressive disease affecting the central vision of patients older than 55 years. ARMD is classified as atrophic (dry) or exudative (wet) forms based on clinical characteristics. Management of atrophic ARMD includes vitamin supplementation with high-dose antioxidants in appropriate patients. Patients who develop exudative ARMD may be eligible for treatment depending on flourescein angiogram characteristics. Options available to close a choroidal neovascular membrane include thermal laser photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy. Other treatment modalities are currently under investigation that may lead to more therapeutic options in the future.

Key words: macular degeneration, vitamins, laser, photodynamic therapy, angiogenesis.