Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye disease that affects the part of the eye responsible for providing central vision. The gradual loss of central vision, a hallmark of this disease, eventually makes it difficult for people affected with AMD to recognize faces, drive a car and read and write, among other important daily tasks. AMD is the most common cause of vision loss in developed countries and affects an estimated 8 million people worldwide over the age of 65. The annual incidence of AMD increases with age from less than 1% in people under the age of 60 years to greater than 5% in people over the age of 80. There are two forms of AMD: dry and wet. The dry form is more common and affects approximately 90% of people with AMD. Dry AMD has few symptoms in the early stage and currently vitamin supplementation with high doses of zinc and antioxidants is the only treatment available. Annual comprehensive dilated eye exams to monitor disease progression are also strongly advised. The wet form is considered the advanced form of AMD. Although less common, affecting 10% of people with AMD, it accounts for approximately 90% of patients with severe vision loss. If this form of AMD is detected before severe vision loss occurs, it is poIf this form of AMD is detected before severe vision loss occurs, it is possible to slow down or stop the progression of wet AMD. Treatments include laser therapy and the more common practice of intraocular injections of drugs that inhibit the proliferation of abnormal blood vessel growth (VEGF inhibitors). The use of the VEGF inhibitors Lucentis (Ranibizumab) or Avastin (Bevacizumab) is now standard of care for the treatment of wet AMD. The main objective of this Café is to disseminate important information regarding AMD. Specifically, the Café will focus on its causes, underlying pathology, the risks factors associated with this disease as well as available treatments.