Abstract
Epidemiological studies on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) provide crucial
data on the frequency of early and late forms as well as associated risk factors.
The increasing number of population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort
studies in Germany and Europe with published data is making prevalence and incidence
estimators for AMD more robust, although they show mostly method-related fluctuations.
This review article brings together the latest published epidemiological measures
for AMD from Germany and Central as well as Western Europe. Based on this data and
population figures for Germany and Europe, prevalence is projected, and future trends
are forecasted. The epidemiological evidence for AMD-associated risk factors is also
improving, especially through meta-analyses within large consortia with correspondingly
high case numbers. This review article summarizes the latest findings and resulting
recommendations for prevention approaches. Additionally, it
discusses treatment options and future challenges.
Key words
age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - prevalence - incidence - risk factors - population-based
studies - demographic development