Macular Degeneration, Age-Related

Richard W Allinson, M.D. and Alyce D Alven, MS, OD Reviewed 06/2022

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible, severe visual loss in persons age >65 years.
AMD can be classified as:
- Atrophic/nonexudative, such as dr...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Patients frequently notice distortion of central vision. On Amsler grid testing, the horizontal or vertical lines may become broken, distorted, or missing.

PHYSICAL EXAM

Atrophic/nonex...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Low-vision aids may be helpful.

MEDICATION

First Line

Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
- Antibody fragment that inhibits all active forms of VEGF
- Injected intravitreally, at a dose of 0.5 mg...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Amsler grid can aid in discovering visual disturbances.
Patients with soft drusen or pigmentary changes in the macula are at an increased risk of...

REFERENCES

Keenan TD, Argon E, Mares J, el al. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and progression to late age-related macular degeneration in the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2. Ophthalmolo...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

ICD10

H35.32 Exudative age-related macular degeneration
H35.31 Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration
H35.3290 Exudative age-related macular degeneration, unspecified eye, stage unspecified
H...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Patients may notice straight lines appear crooked (e.g., telephone poles).
The ARED Study found that a high-dose regimen of antioxidant vitamins and mineral supplements reduces progress...

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