Common Age Group for Late-Stage AMD
Late-stage age-related macular degeneration predominantly affects individuals aged 85 years and older, with this age group showing a 10-fold higher prevalence compared to those in their early 70s. 1
Age Distribution and Prevalence
The prevalence of late AMD increases dramatically with advancing age:
Individuals aged 85+ years have the highest burden, with exudative (wet) AMD affecting 11.4% and pure geographic atrophy (dry) affecting 7.6% of this population 1
The disease affects individuals over 55 years, though late-stage manifestations are uncommon until significantly older ages 2, 3
Among those aged 66-74 years, late AMD prevalence is substantially lower, demonstrating the steep age-related increase in disease severity 1
Clinical Context
Late AMD encompasses two forms that cause severe, often irreversible vision loss:
Neovascular (wet) AMD characterized by macular neovascularization with fluid accumulation 2
Geographic atrophy (dry AMD) marked by progressive atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal layers 2
Both forms can coexist in the same patient and typically present with profoundly decreased central vision affecting both eyes at this advanced stage 2
Public Health Implications
The concentration of late AMD in the oldest age groups (85+ years) has critical implications:
With global aging populations and increased longevity, the number of people with AMD worldwide is predicted to increase from 196 million in 2020 to 288 million by 2040 2
The 10-fold higher prevalence in the oldest cohort compared to younger elderly patients underscores the need for improved preventive measures and novel treatments 1
AMD remains the leading cause of blindness in individuals over 65 years in Western countries 4