Molecular mechanisms and intervention strategies for age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading ocular disorder that causes irreversible visual impairment and blindness in the elderly population. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that AMD is the end-stage outcome of various retinal degenerative lesions and vascular anomalies. Its core pathogenic mechanisms mainly involve dysfunction and atrophy of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, choroidal capillary degeneration, pathological choroidal neovascularization (CNV), chronic inflammation, oxidative stress injury, deposition of extracellular substances such as drusen, and genetic predisposition. Given its multifactorial origin and complicated pathophysiological processes, the full molecular regulatory network of AMD has not been fully clarified, which restricts the development of more efficient intervention regimens. This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress concerning the molecular mechanisms of AMD, and comprehensively discusses mainstream and emerging therapeutic strategies, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs, antioxidant and mineral supplements, photodynamic therapy, and laser therapy, as well as innovative modalities such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and targeted regulation of complement and inflammatory pathways. It is intended to provide theoretical basis and research references for in-depth mechanistic exploration, early prevention and precise clinical management of AMD.