How common is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is the most common cause of poor eyesight among older people.
In developed countries, poor eyesight from severe AMD affects:1 2 3 4
- About 2 in 100 people over 50
- About 8 in 100 people over 65
- Up to 20 in 100 people over 85.
Sources for the information on this page:
- Klein R, Klein BEK, Linton KLP. Prevalence of age-related maculopathy: the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Ophthalmology. 1992; 99: 933-943.
- Vingerling JR, Dielemans I, Hofman A, et al. The prevalence of age-related maculopathy in the Rotterdam study. Ophthalmology. 1995; 102: 205-210.
- Mitchell P, Smith W, Attebo K, et al. Prevalence of age-related maculopathy in Australia: the Blue Mountains eye study. Ophthalmology. 1995; 102: 1450-1460.
- Gottlieb J L. Age related macular degeneration. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002; 288: 2233-2236.
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice.
Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
