Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of chronic microvascular diseases characterized by inflammation, such as age-related macular degeneration, by administering a polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene copolymer. Although a single dose can be effective, multiple treatments can be administered to achieve an optimal and sustained effect. Preferably, a single administration followed by repeated weekly administration of the pharmaceutical composition, but not continuous infusion, achieves a desired effect. Methods of diagnosis and characterization of chronic microvascular diseases using the copolymer are also provided.