Prevalence and Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Europe – Current Overview and Trend Analysis
A comprehensive review article by authors from Bonn, Germany, published late last year in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, provides current data and estimates of the incidence and prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in Europe. Here is a brief summary of the key findings from this latest analysis.
Introduction
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in Europe. With an aging population, the number of affected individuals is expected to rise in the near future. Therefore, continuously updated data is essential for healthcare resource planning.
Methodology
A systematic review of AMD prevalence and incidence was conducted based on a meta-analysis of observational studies following epidemiological criteria. The study included 22 works on prevalence and 4 works on AMD incidence published since 1996.
Specifically, the analysis included meta-analysis and meta-regression in terms of time trends, age, countries, regions, gender, and AMD classification systems. Prevalence estimates were extrapolated to the year 2050 based on Eurostat's demographic projections.
Results
The combined estimate of early- or intermediate-stage AMD prevalence in people over 60 years old was 25.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18.0–34.4%), and for any advanced stage, it was 2.4% (95% CI 1.8–3.3%). The meta-analysis showed a combined annual incidence of late-stage AMD of 1.4/1000 individuals (95% CI 0.8–2.6/1000).
The total number of EU residents with advanced AMD is projected to increase from 67 million to 77 million by 2050. Furthermore, it is estimated that the incidence of late-stage AMD will rise from the current 400,000 cases to 700,000 cases per year by 2050.
Conclusion
Currently, approximately 67 million EU residents are affected by some form of AMD. Due to the aging population, this number is expected to increase by an additional 15% by 2050. In the coming years and decades, monitoring and treating individuals with advanced stages of the disease will require additional resources and careful healthcare planning.
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Source: Li J. Q., Welchowski T., Schmid M. et al. Prevalence and incidence of age-related macular degeneration in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Ophthalmol 2019 Nov 11, pii: bjophthalmol-2019-314422, doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-314422 [Epub ahead of print].
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