Dry AMD

AMD is a common cause of severe loss of eyesight among people over 50. AMD affects the central vision, and the ability to see fine details as the central part of the retina (macula) is progressively damaged. In advanced stages, people lose their ability to drive, to see faces, and to read smaller print. Dry AMD is the most common type (80% of AMD) has unknown cause, although both genetic and environmental factors may play a role, wherein drusen accumulate in the basal retina. This happens as the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, generally one eye at a time. The loss of vision in this condition is usually slow and gradual, wherein the aging damage of the support membrane under the retina contributes to the dry AMD. No specific therapies have been developed for this high prevalent eye disease in the caucasian population.

In contrast, wet AMD is treated with anti-VEGF while a number of newer anti-angiogenic are under study. These agents are of little, if any use in dry AMD, which is otherwise characterized by thinning retina, fibrotic and anti-profilerative events in RPE cell and Bruch's membrane.