Age related macular degeneration - new developments in treatment

BACKGROUND: Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition seen in general practice. Over the past few years, new understanding of the condition has seen the rapid development of increasingly effective treatments. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the pathogenesis of AMD and how this relates to the most up to date treatments for the disease. It aims to provide general practitioners with timely information regarding these significant advances, which may assist in the management of patients with AMD. DISCUSSION: Increasingly, AMD sufferers independently source information about the latest treatments. Consequently GPs are likely to hear more questions from their patients regarding treatment options. Antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs show exciting potential for an often debilitating condition. However, early referral and treatment is vital to successful outcomes and GPs can play an essential role in this process. As well, they can serve to provide ongoing information and counselling to their patients with AMD. (author abstract)