Treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: past, present and future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The treatment options of choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration have expanded. Prior to ocular photodynamic therapy the only available treatment was laser photocoagulation. Clinicians and patients were not particularly enthusiastic despite its ability to stabilize vision. The purpose of the review is to review the past and current concepts of neovascular age-related macular degeneration therapy and to provide a short overview of upcoming treatments. RECENT FINDINGS: Photodynamic therapy provided us with the first realistic means to address subfoveal choroidal neovascularization lesions from age-related macular degeneration. Antivascular endothelial growth factors now allow better visual outcomes than mere stabilization of vision and other promising treatments are undergoing study at this time. SUMMARY: Age-related macular degeneration therapy has undergone a significant revolution in recent years. Understanding the historical perspective of treatment provides a better appreciation of current therapies. Still there is no cure for this disease and more promising treatments are currently under investigation.