Age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive late onset disease affecting the central macula, which is responsible for fine central vision needed for driving, reading, and recognizing people’s faces. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in western countries. Combined data from three predominantly Caucasian communities (U.S.A., the Netherlands, and Australia) indicates the prevalence for late AMD is 0.2% in the 55 to 64 agegroup, rising sharply to 13% in the > 85 years age group (158,210). The prevalence increases rapidly with age such that for the > 90 age group, more than two thirds of individuals have early AMD changes, and one quarter have significant visual loss from late AMD (22). It is estimated that the number of people with AMD will double by year 2020 (217). Current treatment options for AMD are limited, mostly to the late neovascular stage of the disease, with no treatment currently available for the late atrophic form of disease.