Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration(AMD)is one of the major causes leading to vision deterioration and irreversible loss among the elderly population worldwide. As the process of population aging progresses, the incidence of AMD increases, which to some extent reduces the self-care ability of patients and increases the burden on society and families. Given that the damage caused by AMD to patients' vision is irreversible, this disease has now attracted great attention and concern from ophthalmologists at home and abroad. Choroidal neovascularization and atrophy are characteristic manifestations of AMD and play an important role in the progression of the disease. The mechanism of choroidal neovascularization and atrophy are complex and are regulated by various vascular inhibitory and stimulating factors. In recent years, a new clinical biomarker, pigment epithelium-derived factor(PEDF), has emerged. It is a vascular growth inhibitor and an important member of the serine protease inhibitor family, with neurotrophic and anti-neovascularization regulatory functions. The intrinsic retationship between PEDF and AMD, as well as the research progress of AMD treatment based on PEDF, provide a theoretical basis for in-depth elucidation of the pathogenesis of AMD and exploration of new clinical treatment strategies.

Key words: age-related macular degeneration, pigment epithelium-derived factor, angiogenesis inhibitor, serine protease inhibitor, anti-neovascularization