Age-related macular degeneration: the costs to society and the patient.
OBJECTIVE
The current literature was reviewed to assess the patient and societal costs associated with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Gupta
Omesh P
OP
Retina Service, Wills Eye at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA. ogupta@hotmail.com
Brown
Gary C
GC
Brown
Melissa M
MM
D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000191:economics*; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000191:economics