Age-Related Macular Degeneration PDF

Preface

Preface Novel and myriad advancements are accelerating in our fi eld of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These discoveries about the mechanisms of disease and novel treatments for AMD inspire and warrant the creation of this Third Edition of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. A little over a decade ago, the fi rst edition of Age-Related Macular Degeneration was created to capture and collate the existing knowledge gleaned from advances in the fi eld of AMD research. At that time photodynamic therapy was heralded as a major advancement in the treatment of AMD. Then, six years later, the Second Edition was published in response to groundbreaking therapeutic advances, such as anti-angiogenesis therapy, which revolutionized the care of AMD patients and offered them the real possibility of improved visual acuity and function. Fortunately, we have again reached another threshold which includes the understanding of the pathophysiology of AMD, better imaging techniques, and novel therapeutic options. Throughout this edition, these advancements are highlighted. Emphasis remains on evidence-based data and applications to clinical practice as in prior editions.

The first section of this third edition captures knowledge about the pathophysiology and epidemiology of both nonneovascular and neovascular AMD. Experts in the fi eld describe and discuss different mechanisms of disease pathobiology. Histopathology, immunology, genetics, VEGF pathways, oxidative stress and clinical risk factors are discussed in detail by experts in the fi eld.

The second section emphasizes the clinical features of AMD. Many new images have been added to the chapters on diagnosis and treatment of AMD. In addition, this new edition captures advancements in ocular imaging. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus autofl uorescence, and microperimetry as applied to AMD evaluation and management are presented with numerous examples within those chapters. Of course, the classic fi ndings of fl uorescein angiography remain with examples given for the various disease states.

The next major section presents the current and experimental treatments for AMD. The fi ndings of numerous clinical trials on AMD are discussed in detail, in almost all cases, by the leaders of those clinical trials. These trials encompass non-neovascular as well as neovascular AMD. The past few years witnessed a profusion of AMD clinical trials. The latest clinical trial results have been included with an emphasis on the clinical usefulness of the data in treating the AMD patient.

Several new chapters have been added to ensure that this edition contains the latest information. New chapters include oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of AMD, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, retinal angiomatous proliferation, SD-OCT guided therapy for AMD, non-VEGF related antiangiogenesis pathways for treatment of AMD, Age-Related Eye Disease Study results, visual cycle modulation, stem cell therapy, and surgery for AMD. The existing chapters have undergone extensive revision to ensure timeliness of the information.

It is my hope that this third edition will serve as a valuable resource for the care of AMD patients. I hope that it will serve as a resource for students interested in basic mechanisms of AMD as well as a reference for practicing clinicians interested in new treatment modalities and clinical trial results. The future of AMD care remains bright, with major advancements in the fi eld occurring within a few years. It is inspiring to know that translational research has led to visual acuity sparing and vision-improving therapies. I hope that the information presented herein will spark new ideas and research that will eventually result in a cure for AMD.

I acknowledge all authors for their outstanding contributions to this book and offer my sincere gratitude to them. Their expertise, collegiality, and scholarship made my job as editor of this book enjoyable, educational, and satisfying. I also thank my administrative assistant, Vee, and my Informa Editor, Parita, for their invaluable assistance in the creation of this book. Lastly, I thank once again my family for their support, interest, and understanding during the writing and editing of this book.

I hope the third edition of Age-Related Macular Degeneration is as educational and enjoyable as our previous ones.