Genetics of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: new insights and perspectives

Abstract

Approximately 30.5 million people aged 50 years and older are blind worldwide.1 Visual impairment, or low vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, leads to a signifi cant decrease in quality of life irrespective of its underlying cause. The effect on the psychosocial and emotional aspects of life and the functional independence of patients is devastating.2 Individuals with low vision have diffi culty driving a car, recognizing faces, watching television, and reading. In addition, they are susceptible to depression, social isolation, as well as feelings of frustration and sadness.3,4 The leading cause of severe visual impairment in the elderly of the Western world is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)