Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third largest cause of blindness worldwide, accounting for 8.7% of all cases. A considerable number of preventive or therapeutic interventions have been used for AMD. This study presents a critical view of the interventions that have been assessed through Cochrane systematic reviews. Review of systematic reviews, conducted in the Discipline of Evidence-Based Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Review of Cochrane systematic reviews about interventions for AMD. The 18 systematic reviews included assessed the effects of surgical techniques, laser/photo/radiotherapy, intravitreal injections, systemic drugs and phytotherapy/vitamins/supplements. The Cochrane systematic reviews found evidence that use of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, pegaptanib, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy and multivitamin compounds may present some benefits for treating AMD. There was insufficient evidence for supporting the use of macular translocation, submacular surgery, steroid implantation, radiotherapy, intravitreal aflibercept, interferon alfa, statins or omega-3 fatty acids for treating AMD; or the use of multivitamin antioxidant vitamins or mineral supplementation for preventing AMD. Future randomized controlled trials are imperative to reduce the uncertainty in several clinical questions regarding AMD.
Highlights
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease of the macula that causes loss of central vision
Results from systematic reviews The 18 SRs included assessed the effects of surgical techniques (n = 4),[5,6,7,8] laser/photo/radiotherapy (n = 4),[9,10,11,12] intravitreal injections (n = 3),[13,14,15] systemic drugs (n = 3)[16,17,18] and phytotherapy/ vitamins/supplements (n = 4)[19,20,21,22] for preventing AMD or treating participants with AMD
Selection of systematic reviews The selection process was performed by two authors (RLP and RR), who independently assessed all titles and abstracts that had initially been obtained through the electronic search for potential
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease of the macula (central region of the retina) that causes loss of central vision. This type of vision is essential for performing activities of daily living.[1]. AMD is the third largest cause of blindness worldwide, accounting for 8.7% of all cases of definitive loss of vision.[1] Currently, 15% to 24% of the population over the age of 65 years are affected by the early stages of AMD.[2]. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third largest cause of blindness worldwide, accounting for 8.7% of all cases. CONCLUSION: The Cochrane systematic reviews found evidence that use of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, pegaptanib, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy and multivitamin compounds may present some benefits for treating AMD. Future randomized controlled trials are imperative to reduce the uncertainty in several clinical questions regarding AMD
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