As the U.S. population ages, the number of Americans with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) continues to rise. A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, The Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the U.S. in 2019, found that the number of Americans with age-related macular degeneration has risen to nearly 20 million people. This is nearly three times previous estimates.  

In addition to the more than 18 million people with early AMD, more than 1 million are in the later stage of AMD.

Dry AMD is the most common form of the disease, causing yellow deposits under the retina. Over time, it can result in blurred vision, while Wet AMD is a faster progressing disease and can lead to vision loss.

 
The most common form of AMD is “dry” AMD. This is caused by the appearance of small yellow deposits called drusen, which form under the retina. These are accumulated waste products of the retina, which can grow in size and stop the flow of nutrients to the retina.

This will cause the retinal cells in the macula that process light to die, causing vision to become blurred. This form of the disease usually worsens slowly. “Wet” AMD generally causes more rapid and more serious vision loss.

According to Prevent Blindness, nearly one in 10 Americans over the age of 50 has some form of AMD, while 1 in 100 over the age of 50 has a “threatening late form of AMD,” with the highest rates of AMD in the Midwest, New England and Florida.

Commenting on the recent figures, NORC program area director at the University of Chicago’s Public Health Analytics Program, David B. Rein, PhD, said, “AMD is a major cause of vision impairment and blindness, and costs Medicare approximately $1,290 per beneficiary diagnosed. We developed estimates at the national, state and county level with an interest in helping local officials understand their area’s disease burden of AMD.”

Many people still remain unaware of the risks of AMD, and the importance of getting regular eye exams to prevent and treat the progression of the disease. Understanding risk factors such as family history, diet and lifestyle is also key to preventing AMD.

There are many new treatment options available that, with early detection, can help slow the progression and make living with AMD easier for patients and their families.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, vitamins such as AREDS 2, anti-VEGF drugs and even stem-cell treatments can improve the quality of life of patients with AMD.

This is why eyecare professionals around the world are boosting their education programs to keep patients in the know when it comes to AMD diagnosis and treatment. Here are some descriptions of some of those efforts posted on Instagram by ECPs.

Awareness is key, and the team at Feidler Eye Clinic in Norfolk, Nebraska, wants patients to know the risk factors and numbers behind macular degeneration. They recently shared the staggering statistic that one in eight people over the age of 60 will develop macular degeneration. Image via feidlereyeclinic on Instagram


Many patients are not aware of how easy it is to test for macular degeneration. At St. Lucie Eye in Fort Pierce, Florida, the goal is to make tools available to patients, such as an easy-to-download Amsler Grid. Image via stlucieeye on Instagram


RGB Cataract and Laser, understand the power of social media when it comes to informing clients about macular degeneration. The team offers tips and hints on how patients can reduce their risk of developing the eye disease and the most effective treatments. Image via rgbeye on Instagram


The team at Eyes On Brickell in Miami, Florida, is sharing the best foods to help ensure healthy eyes. A good diet is one of the key ways to help slow the development of macular degeneration. Image via eyesonbrickell on Instagram


The Support Sight Foundation in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, stresses the importance of early detection, which can slow the progression of macular degeneration and provide the option for more treatments. Image via supportsightfoundation on Instagram


The Venu Eye Hospital, in New Delhi, has developed an educational program that helps patients understand the steps involved in diagnosing and treating macular degeneration. Image via venueyeinstititute on Instagram 


Focus Medical Centre in Hailsham, UK, wants patients to know the warning signs of AMD in order to take preventive steps and reduce progression. Image via focusmedicaleyecentre on Instagram