Scientific understanding of advanced therapeutic strategies for nonexudative age-related macular degeneration in 2025 | OphthaTherapy. Therapies in Ophthalmology

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Published: Feb 2, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24292/01.OT.150126

Keywords:

age-related macular degeneration, non-exudative age-related macular degeneration, dry AMD, geographic atrophy, complement pathway inhibitors, visual cycle modulators

Hanna Wołodkiewicz

Member of Ophthalmological Student Organization in Independent Public Teaching Ophthalmological Hospital SPKSO, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5166-6855

Marta Wolszczak

Member of Ophthalmological Student Organization in Independent Public Teaching Ophthalmological Hospital SPKSO, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6072-8524

Grzegorz Gruba

Department and Clinic of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Independent Public Teaching Ophthalmological Hospital SPKSO

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4722-6544

Joanna Przybek-Skrzypecka

Department and Clinic of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Independent Public Teaching Ophthalmological Hospital SPKSO

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6310-7516

Michał Post

Department and Clinic of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Independent Public Teaching Ophthalmological Hospital SPKSO

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0166-3696

Jacek P. Szaflik

Department and Clinic of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Independent Public Teaching Ophthalmological Hospital SPKSO

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9100-0847

Justyna Izdebska

Department and Clinic of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Independent Public Teaching Ophthalmological Hospital SPKSO

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5289-6860

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of severe vision loss in the developed world. Advanced forms of age-related macular degeneration are seen in primarily 2 types, exudative type involving the presence of choroidal neovascularization, and nonexudative age-related macular degeneration with geographic atrophy. The more prevalent form of age-related macular degeneration is nonexudative type, yet with less definitive treatment options. The emergence of anti-VEGF has revolutionized the treatment of exudative type. For nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, vitamins and minerals supplementation known as the AREDS 2 formulation remains a primary care strategy. Recently, two intravitreal anti-complement factors have been approved as a novel treatment – pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol. Many other therapeutic pathways are still being investigated, including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, laser treatment, photobiomodulation, neuroprotective and antioxidant agents, and also surgical options. In this review, we provide an update on prospective treatment options for the management of nonexudative age-related macular degeneration and preventing the progression of geographic atrophy.

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How to Cite

1.

Wołodkiewicz H, Wolszczak M, Gruba G, Przybek-Skrzypecka J, Post M, Szaflik JP, Izdebska J. Scientific understanding of advanced therapeutic strategies for nonexudative age-related macular degeneration in 2025. Ophthatherapy [Internet]. 2026Feb.2 [cited 2026May30];12(4). Available from: https://www.journalsmededu.pl/index.php/ophthatherapy/article/view/3229

Issue

Vol 12 No 4 (2025)

Section

Conservative treatment

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