Age-related Macular Degeneration and Antioxidant Status in the POLA Study

Abstract
IN WESTERN countries age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among older people.1 With the ageing of our population, this burden is expected to increase dramatically. Currently, the only available treatment is laser photocoagulation, which has been proven useful only in a small percentage of patients and with limited benefit.2 It is therefore urgent to determine factors that may lead to prevention of this affection.