Degeneração macular, perda de visão central

Abstract

Macular degeneration is one of the main causes of irreversible visual loss in older adults, representing an important public health problem due to population aging. The disease has a significant impact on quality of life, compromising daily activities and the autonomy of affected individuals. In this context, it is essential to understand its clinical aspects, risk factors, and therapeutic approaches. The present study aims to analyze, through the scientific literature, the main factors associated with macular degeneration, as well as its clinical implications and management strategies. This is an integrative literature review, with searches conducted in the SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS databases. Descriptors related to macular degeneration were used.

As inclusion criteria, articles published between 2015 and 2025 were considered. After screening titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, studies were selected for qualitative analysis. The results show that macular degeneration has a multifactorial etiology, involving genetic factors, aging, oxidative stress, and lifestyle habits. In addition, advances in therapeutic strategies have been observed, especially with anti-VEGF therapies, although limitations still remain regarding a definitive treatment for the disease. It is concluded that analyzing the pathophysiological, structural, and clinical aspects is essential for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies, contributing to the reduction of the disease's impact on the older adult population.