Age-Related Macular Degeneration Is the Leading Cause of Blindness . . .

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence and distribution of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the United States by age, race/ethnicity, and gender.MethodsSummary prevalence estimates of drusen 125 µm or larger, neovascular AMD, and geographic atrophy were prepared separately for black and white persons in 5-year age intervals starting at 40 years. The estimated rates were based on a meta-analysis of recent population-based studies in the United States, Australia, and Europe. These rates were applied to 2000 US Census data and to projected US population figures for 2020 to estimate the number of the US population with drusen and AMD.ResultsThe overall prevalence of neovascular AMD and/or geographic atrophy…