Fig. 1

Schematic of the underlying mechanisms in advanced AMD. Several factors affect extracellular deposits in the retina. Dry AMD is caused by progressive thinning of the central retina, reduced nutrient supply from the thinned choriocapillaris, atrophic RPE with degrading and dying photoreceptors, and non-functional area formation. Wet AMD is caused by inflammation and abundant complement. Subsequent pathological angiogenic stimulus leads to neovascularisation, serum-haemorrhagic exudation, and fibro-scarring under the neuro-epithelium and in the retinal stroma