The Impact of Oxidative Stress in Age-related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

The human eye is a highly developed and photosensitive organ that provides a sense of light. It experiences high oxidative stress due to its continuous exposure to light and the presence of structures with high metabolic activity such as retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Characterized by the accumulation of drusen that leads to progressive degeneration of photoreceptors and RPE, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the elderly. Oxidative stress is believed to play a crucial role in the development of AMD. Oxidative stress arises from the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense systems. When favoring ROS production, it damages DNA, proteins, and lipids in the RPE, leading to RPE dysfunction, inflammation and altered signaling pathways that contribute to AMD development. Current treatments include intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs, and drugs which targeting the complementary cascade. Still, limitations and challenges remain.