A Current Understanding Of Age-related Macular Degeneration.

It is a well known fact that age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world in individuals over fifty years of age. As a result of increasing mean age, the incidence of ARMD is increasing. In light of this, as a primary eyecare practitioner, one needs to have a current understanding of ARMD, how to diagnose, treat, and manage this ocular disease. The purpose of this review is to discuss age-related macular degeneration in the form of a generalized review with the emphasis on current treatment and management including surgical intervention, prophylactic treatment and the prescription of low vision devices. Patient education and counseling will also be discussed.