Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects a person’s central vision, resulting in severe central vision loss. It’s also the leading cause of vision loss among millions of older adults worldwide.
As the global population ages, the number of people with AMD is expected to increase. Because of this, it’s important to understand the risk factors, prevention strategies, and early detection methods for AMD.
In this article, we’ll cover the latest statistics on AMD, including risk factors, prevention, and more. Understanding these key statistics can help raise awareness about AMD and the steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing the condition.
AMD Prevalence and Other Key Statistics
- In 2019, an estimated 19.83 million Americans were living with some form of AMD, 18.34 million had early AMD, and 1.49 million had late-stage AMD
- AMD prevalence increases significantly with age, from 2% for those aged 50-59 to nearly 30% for those over 75
- AMD is associated with a 20% increased risk of overall mortality and a 46% increased risk for cardiovascular disease
- The global cost of visual impairment due to AMD is estimated at $343 billion, including $255 billion in direct healthcare costs
- In the U.S., the annual societal cost of blindness related to AMD was around $20 billion in 2020 and is projected to triple by 2050
AMD Risk Factors
- A 65-year-old without AMD had a 3% chance of developing early AMD within the next three years
- If the 65-year-old already had early AMD, their three-year risk of progressing to late AMD was 7%
- Late AMD was more common in people aged 60–69 (5.59%) and 80+ (7.32%) compared to people aged 70–79 (3.14%)
- In the United States, the estimated prevalence of AMD in 2019 was between 9.9% to 19.5% for early stages and 1.1% to 3.9% for late-stage AMD among people 50+
- Smoking is an independent risk factor for both early and late AMD. Smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD compared to non-smokers
- High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and alcohol consumption were found to be risk factors for early AMD incidence
- Excess body weight and obesity are associated with a higher risk of developing AMD, especially late AMD
Early Detection and Treatment For AMD
Catching AMD early and starting treatment immediately is crucial for managing the condition effectively and preventing vision loss:
- Among people aged 60 and older, an estimated 25.3% had early or intermediate AMD, while 2.4% had late AMD. This means that a significant portion of the elderly population is affected by the condition.
- Anti-VEGF treatments have shown effectiveness in managing wet AMD, with more than 90% of patients maintaining their vision in clinical trials. However, in real-world settings, this percentage is closer to 50% due to various factors.
- Researchers at Duke University developed a deep learning algorithm, DeepGAZE, that can predict with 94% accuracy whether a person’s AMD will worsen within a year. This could potentially help with early detection and timely treatment.
AMD Prevention Strategies
- If you’re a smoker quitting is one of the best ways to lower AMD risk. People who haven’t smoked for 20 years have the same AMD risk as never-smokers.
- Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and vitamin C may help reduce AMD risk.
- Regular exercise may have a protective effect against all stages of AMD and reduce the risk of developing wet AMD.
- The AREDS2 vitamin formula can help slow disease progression in people with intermediate or advanced AMD in one eye, but it has not been shown to prevent AMD in those without the disease.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex eye condition influenced by several risk factors, the most significant of which is age. Because it’s the leading cause of central vision loss among the elderly, it’s important to understand AMD’s risk factors and impact.
Understanding the key statistics presented in this article can help people become aware of the condition and seek professional help early. There are also various prevention strategies that can help reduce the likelihood of developing AMD.
As research continues to evolve, people need to work closely with their healthcare providers for personalized treatment and prevention strategies. Consider attending regular eye exams early on to detect AMD and other eye conditions.
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