The Peril of Macular Degeneration: A Challenge to Vision

Age Related Macular Degeneration - The Peril

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (ArMD) significantly contributes to the prevalence of blindness on a global scale. ArMD has emerged as the third most prevalent cause of vision impairment worldwide with the substantial increase in the elderly population. The key variables contributing to geographical atrophy (GA) and neovascular ArMD are ArMD, key forms of ArMD, both leading to significant vision impairment in older persons. GA is also known as late-stage macular degeneration. Cigarette smoking, dietary components, cardiovascular diseases, inherited markers, genes that control angiogenic pathways, lipids, and complement were shown to be important risk factors. In the last two decades, numerous studies have demonstrated that the percentage of macular degeneration cases has decreased. This may be attributed to the introduction of novel approaches to diagnosis and treatment. This review comprehensively explores ArMD, covering recent developments and classifications. It covers diagnosis methods, grading systems, and prevention strategies. It highlights advancements in treatment, including ankyrin repeat proteins, gene therapy via recombinant adeno-associated virus, and offering promising avenues for ArMD management.