Pathogenetic approaches to the treatment of age-related macular degeneration
Egorov E.A.

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

Until now, there is no definite opinion concerning the cause of the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The liability to this disease is determined by a combination of risk factors, including oxidative stress, as a result of exposure to light, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, atherosclerosis and dietary characteristics. There is a natural barrier of the eye, which helps to prevent damage to the retina, especially its macular area. It includes optical eye filters, cornea and lens, some enzymes and oxycarotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin. The latter make up the macular pigment and determine its density. Photodamage and oxidative stress in combination with a lack of the necessary oxycarotenoids lead to the damage of the photoreceptors, thinning of the macular pigment layer and increase the probability of development of advanced stages of AMD and its complications. A large-scale clinical study was conducted to assess the effect of high-dose antioxidants on reducing the risk of AMD progression. The article discusses the results of studies and the peculiarities of the composition of products for maintaining the normal level of oxycarotenoids in the composition of the macular pigment.

Key words: AMD, macular pigment, antioxidants, lutein, zeaxanthin.
For citation: Egorov E.A. Pathogenetic approaches to the treatment of age-related macular degeneration // RMJ. Clinical ophthalmology. 2017. № 4. P. 235–238.