Emerging Therapeutic Strategies and Innovations in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Current Perspectives and Future Directions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15662/IJRAI.2025.0806015Keywords:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Anti-VEGF Agents, Neovascularization, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE), Wet AMD Therapy, Retinal AtrophyAbstract
Age-related macular degeneration is a major cause of central visual loss which is irreversible to the older population of the world. It is caused by a complicated interaction of the oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, dysregulation of the complement system, and genetic and environmental risk factors that eventually lead to the degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells. The current development in imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography fundus fluorescein angiography and fundus autofluorescence have significantly enhanced early disease diagnosis and disease surveillance. The present forms of therapy, which include mainly anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, photodynamic therapy, laser photocoagulation, and nutritional supplementation, have significantly improved visual recovery, particularly in the exudative wet type of Age-related macular degeneration. However, there are still limited therapeutic solutions of the dry age-related macular degeneration. New therapeutic strategies, such as complement, tyrosine kinase, gene- and cell-based therapeutic agents as well as new sustained-release delivery systems, bring new perspectives to long-term management of the disease. At the same time, advances in imaging biomarkers, artificial intelligence and low-vision restoration are transforming the clinical practice. The future research with prioritization to predictive models and precision medicine will make possible personalized, sustained, and preventive interventions and thus can be utilized to drive the management of Age-related macular degeneration towards a higher level of visual retention and better patient quality of life.
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