Macular degeneration is a disorder that affects the macula (the central part of the retina of the eye) causing decreased visual acuity and possible loss of central vision. It is often called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as the disease is most common in people over age 60.

There are two types of AMD:

Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD. It is caused by the appearance of small yellow deposits called drusen, which form under the retina. As the drusen grow in size they can stop the flow of nutrients to the retina and cause the retinal cells to die, resulting in blurred vision.

A study called AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study) showed that a certain combination of vitamins (vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc) could slow the progression (but not cure) dry AMD in people with a moderate level of disease.

The advanced stage of dry AMD is known as geographic atrophy (GA). At this stage there are large areas of damaged tissue in the retina causing central blind spots. 

Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) is the first FDA-approved treatment for GA. It works by inhibiting C3, a protein in the complement system.

Wet AMD is also called neovascular AMD. It is an advanced form of the disease and generally causes more rapid and more serious vision loss compared to dry AMD. Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal new blood vessels under and into the retina. These blood vessels leak fluid and blood and cause scar tissue that destroys the central retina resulting in a deterioration of sight over a period of months to years.

Treatment of wet AMD involves anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs that work to stop the growth and limit the leakage of the abnormal blood vessels. These drugs are delivered through an injection or implant into the eye.

Drugs used to treat Macular Degeneration