Age-related macular degeneration: a leading cause of blindness.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in Australia, rising in prevalence from zero in people aged under 55 years to 18.5% in those aged over 85 years. More women suffer from the disease and it is estimated that 72,220 Australians may have signs of late AMD in one or both eyes. Degenerative processes in the retina include the appearance of abnormal drüsen (the key lesion of AMD); atrophy, retinal-pigment abnormalities and gradual loss of vision (atrophic AMD); and haemorrhage, exudation, scarring and rapid loss of vision (exudative AMD). Although environmental (e.g., smoking) and hereditary factors may possibly play a role in the development of AMD, the principal risk factor is ageing. Treatment remains supportive for most patients, but a few will benefit from macular laser photocoagulation.