What is Age-related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the central part of the retina that allows the eye to see fine details, making it harder to see faces, drive, read or do close-up work. The disease can progress quickly or slowly and can lead to central vision loss in one or both eyes.¹

Quick Facts

• AMD is a major cause of blindness worldwide and is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for Americans aged 65 years and older.²
• The number of older Americans is projected to nearly double from 48 million to 88 million in 2050.³
• As many as 1.8 million people in the United States are affected by vision-threatening age-related macular degeneration.²
• In the U.S., the estimated total economic burden of vision loss and blindness was $134.2 billion in 2017.⁴
• Medical costs ($53.5 billion), nursing home costs ($41.8 billion), and reduced labor force ($16.2 billion) were the largest components of this total.⁴
• Vision loss and blindness cost an average of $16,838 annually per person affected.⁴
• Consuming foods with high concentration of certain vitamins and minerals may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration by 25%. These include foods with:⁵
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Beta-carotene
  • Zinc
  • Copper
• Injections and laser treatments are therapies for wet (late-stage) AMD.⁵

Sources

1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Retrieved 02/13/2023, from Johns Hopkins Medicine, Conditions and Diseases
2. Common Eye Disorders and Diseases. Retrieved 02/13/2023, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vision Health Initiative
3. Ageing and health. Retrieved 02/13/2023, from the World Health Organization, Fact sheets
4. Economic Studies. Retrieved 02/27/2023, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vision Health Initiative
5. Learn About Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Retrieved 02/27/2023, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vision Health Initiative