Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause for the loss of central seeing with humans beyond the age of 50 in the industrial nations. A triplication of the patients is expected in the next 25 years. Especially in the last couple of years the standard of knowledge regarding etiology, risk factors, diagnostics and therapy of this retina illness has substantially grown which is presented in this up-to-date multi-authored work. Apart from epidemiologically identified risk factors both the various pathophysiological aspects and clinical manifestations and angiographic characteristics are clearly represented and in line with standard usage. Furthermore, the different therapeutic approaches are treated, which include proven procedures as laser therapy and seeing-aids systems, in addition to latest methods in the area of the pharmacology, the photo-dynamic therapy, transpupil thermal therapy (TTT) and the macular surgery. The volume is well-illustrated and tables and summaries round up the representation.

This updated and expanded second edition features expert clinicians and scientists who assess the latest work on the pathogenesis, epidemiology and risk factors, diagnostic methods and imaging modalities of AMD, whose incidence grows with ageing populations.

Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause for the loss of central vision beyond the age of 50 in industrial nations. Triplication of the number of affected patients is expected over the next 25 years. Especially over the last years the standard of knowledge regarding etiology, risk factors, diagnostics and therapy of this retina illness has substantially grown – this will be covered in this up-to-date multi-authored work. Apart from epidemiologically and genetically identified risk factors both the various pathophysiological aspects including the role of the complement system and clinical manifestations including OCT and angiographic characteristics are clearly represented. Furthermore, the different therapeutic approaches are presented and discussed, including proven procedures such as intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy and seeing-aid systems, in addition to the latest and upcoming methods in the area of pharmacology. The volume is well-illustrated and tables and summaries complete the presentation.

Pathophysiology: Epidemiology.- Genetics of AMD.- Aging of the Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium.- Complement System.- Current Concepts in AMD-Pathogenesis. Clinical Manifestations: Early AMD.- Neovascular AMD.- Geographic Atrophy. Diagnostics: Fluorescein- und ICG-Angiography.- Optical Coherence Tomography.- Microperimetry. Prophylaxis and Therapy: Nutritional Supplementation.- Laser Photocoagulation and Photodynamic Therapy.- Anti-VEGF-Therapy: Basic Information and Substances.- Anti-VEGF-Therapy: Results and Guidelines.- Combination Therapies for the Treatment of AMD.- Treatment Approaches for Dry Atrophy.- Surgical Therapy. Rehabilitation: Reading Ability.- Magnifying Visual Aids.