Some aspects of pathogenesis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration 

Egorov E.A.

Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov 

Despite of constantly ongoing research causes of AMD remain uncertain. Studies allowed defining main risk factors. Most significant risk factors of AMD include age, oxidative stress because of light exposure, hypercholesterolemia, cataract extraction, genetics, smoking, atherosclerosis, dietary habits. As a result of light radiation the most exposed to the damage of free radicals are outer segments of photoreceptors in a central macular zone. Normally there is a complicated structure of cell protection against photopathy and oxidative stress. Except the antioxidative component macula is protected by several optic filters (cornea, lens, macular pigment, melanin) which are limiting the short-wave radiation. Main portion of the light is absorbed by the lens and melanin of a pigment epithelium. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, ascorbic acid, alfa-tocopherol, retinol and carotinoids are given the name of “antioxidative protection system”. A series of clinical trials confirm a decrease of the risk of AMD progression as a result of an intake of high doses of antioxidants. The composition which consists of lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins and minerals with proved clinical efficiency is also discussed in the review. 
Keywords: AMD, antioxidants, lutein, zeaxanthin, antioxidative activity, risk factors of AMD.
For citation: Egorov E.A. Some aspects of pathogenesis and treatment of age-related macular degeneartion // RMJ. Clinical ophthalmology. 2016. № 1. P. 46–49.