Current concepts and recent advances in the management of age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the Western World in those aged 65 and older. At present, several treatment modalities are utilised and several more are undergoing investigation in an attempt to retard the occurrence and progression of this devastating condition. AIMS To provide the non-ophthalmologist with an understanding of the current treatment options available to patients suffering from all variants of AMD. METHODS Medline and Embase search. RESULTS Several treatment modalities have been investigated and utilised in the treatment of all variants of this condition. While promising results have been reported, no treatment is ideal. CONCLUSION While no curative treatment for this condition currently exists, early recognition and treatment, if indicated, have been shown to reduce the risk of severe vision loss in patients with this condition.