Age-related macula degeneration is the most common cause of visual disability in the industrialised world. The disease can be diagnosed as a maculopathy in 10-20% of the population over the age of 65. About 25% of these will have degeneration with reduced vision. Today, only a small proportion of patients with the aggressive wet form of the disease can be offered any therapy in the form of laser or photodynamic laser treatment. Worldwide epidemiological investigations designed to define contributing factors have so far not been conclusive, but the use of antioxidants and trace metals may be a useful prophylactic measure. Research into antiangiogenic therapy may also result in useful tools for ophthalmologists caring for this group of patients.