What may and may not be feasible to minimize the worsening of geographic atrophy

Abstract

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is classified into neovascular AMD and non-neovascular dry AMD (d-AMD). The advanced form of d-AMD is called geographic atrophy. Although intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs currently represents the standard of treatment for neovascular AMD, we are still facing daily challenges in the treatment of the dry form. Several potential options for a new therapy, including nutritional supplements, lipofuscin, inhibitors of complement factors, blood flow of the choroid, neuroprotection and encapsulated cell technology, are the objects of several studies and trials worldwide. Only a few new products will actually enter the market. When this happens, our duty will be to provide the best treatment possible and avoid people with d-AMD progressing toward a more severe form of geographic atrophy and help them maintain their visual acuity and therefore their independence.

Keywords:

• age-related macular degeneration
• blood flow
• dry, encapsulated cell technology
• geographic atrophy
• inflammation
• lipofuscin
• neuroprotection
• nutritional supplements

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.