The invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising cyclodextrins that are topically applied to the external surface of the human eye, preferably as a liquid. The formulations have been shown to be capable of providing the cyclodextrin to the posterior portions of the eye and are therefore effective in removing drusen and treating other related conditions in the posterior of the eye. Due to the ability to deliver cyclodextrin to the posterior portion of the eye, especially the retina, even though applied topically to the external surface of the eye, the formulations can be used for several related conditions associated with age related degeneration of the human eye, such as wet or dry age related macular degeneration.
