Source
Retina Service, Wills Eye at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA. ogupta@hotmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW:
The current literature was reviewed to assess the patient and societal costs associated with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).
RECENT FINDINGS:
An increasing number of studies discuss the growing direct ophthalmologic, direct nonophthalmologic, and indirect costs associated with ARMD. Most reports, however, focus on only one of these aspects. The prevalence of this debilitating disease will increase as life expectancy increases.
SUMMARY:
ARMD continues to be a major public health problem in developed countries. The treatment and management of exudative ARMD are changing dramatically. These therapies will likely become a more significant portion of the overall healthcare burden of ARMD. To date, no comprehensive study exists that attempts to calculate the total cost of ARMD.