Classification and diagnostic criteria of age-related macular degeneration

New classification and diagnosis criteria of age-related macular degeneration in Japan are described. The prodromal stage is classified into 1) soft drusen and 2) retinal pigment epithelial abnormalities. Age-related macular degeneration is classified into 1) exudative age-related macular degeneration and 2) atrophic macular degeneration. As specific types of exudative age-related macular degeneration, (1) polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and (2) retinal angiomatous proliferation are also included. Diagnostic criteria include 1) prodromal stage, 2) exudative age-related macular degeneration, 3) atrophic age-related macular degeneration, and 4) exclusion criteria. The diagnosis of exudative age-related macular degeneration is certain when one of the following conditions in present: (1) choroidal neovascularization, (2) serous retinal pigment epithelial detachment, (3) hemorrhagic retinal pigment epithelial detachment, or (4) fibrotic scar in the macula.