Purpose:
To estimate the co-prevalence of concurrent open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in the United States. To determine the current number of people who are affected by these two diseases concurrently and to estimate how many might be affected in the year 2030.
Methods:
Co-prevalence estimates for OAG (definite and probable combined) and both early and late ARMD were calculated for Whites (Beaver Dam Eye Study) and Hispanics (Los Angeles Latino Eye Study), by dividing the number of affected individuals by the total number of people included in each of the population-based studies. OAG and ARMD could be observed in either eye. Population aging trends were obtained from the United States Census Bureau based on the middle series of the 1990 census for the White non-Hispanic (Whites) and Hispanic (Hispanics) projections. Co-prevalence estimates and number of affected people were derived globally (people aged between 40 and 100 years), and by 10-year age stratification.
Results:
The table presents the prevalence of OAG and both early and late ARMD for Whites and Hispanics. The current and projected number of people affected concurrently by OAG and early and late ARMD is also presented. Co-prevalence estimates of both conditions increase with age and appear comparable in Whites and Hispanics for early, but not late ARMD.
Conclusions:
People over 70 years of age are the most affected by concurrent OAG and ARMD, with higher co-prevalence estimates and the largest relative increase in the number of offected people in 2030. The imminent aging of the population will result in an increased number of people affected concurrently by OAG and ARMD, placing a potential burden on the health care system for people this age.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration