[Age-related macular degeneration - Part 1: Pathophysiology, classification and diagnostic]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Medical Imaging

Context:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading hereditary visual impairment in Western populations.
• Accurate diagnosis and classification are essential for patient risk assessment.
• Advancements in intravitreal therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have improved neovascular AMD prognosis.

Purpose:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of AMD pathophysiology.
• To detail current AMD classification systems.
• To highlight diagnostic methodologies for AMD.

Summary:

• Multimodal imaging, including fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and fundus photography, is crucial for AMD diagnosis and classification.
• Intravitreal VEGF therapies have enhanced treatment options and visual prognosis for neovascular AMD.
• Developing effective treatments for geographic atrophy remains a key therapeutic goal.

Impact:

• Facilitates timely and accurate diagnosis, crucial for effective AMD management.
• Informs the development of novel, long-lasting therapeutic agents for AMD.
• Improves patient outcomes by enabling precise risk stratification and treatment selection.