Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of practical blindness among the population agend over 65 in developed countries. With the steadily rising life expectancy its incidence is rising as well.
The patients' quality of life depends on the degree of their sight damage and in terminal stages it is comparable to permanently bedridden people after strokes, dependent on constant care of another person. The currently used treatment with intravitreal VEGF blockers can stop worsening of the eyesight at the cost of long term patient monitoring and repaeted treatment applications.
Early diagnosis and treatment lead to better long term results.