Pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly in the developed world. The inability to prevent the development of AMD and its complications stems from our lack of knowledge of the underlying pathological mechanisms. A recent report described a rodent with chemokine deficiencies that developed retinal changes similar to those frequently observed in AMD and suggested an important role for macrophages and complement in the pathogenesis of this disease. Such novel insights into the possible causes of AMD might give rise to preventative and/or reconstructive treatments in the future. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly in the developed world. The inability to prevent the development of AMD and its complications stems from our lack of knowledge of the underlying pathological mechanisms. A recent report described a rodent with chemokine deficiencies that developed retinal changes similar to those frequently observed in AMD and suggested an important role for macrophages and complement in the pathogenesis of this disease. Such novel insights into the possible causes of AMD might give rise to preventative and/or reconstructive treatments in the future. Surgical procedures to reconstruct the altered subretinal milieu to its normal anatomy. It involves the repair of Bruch's membrane defects, the reconstitution of the cellular integrity of the choriocapillaris, the retinal pigment epithelium and the photoreceptor layers, and the establishment of healthy and normal functioning interfaces between these layers.