The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in Asians: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Asian populations and to compare this with prevalence in white populations.


METHODS
A clear understanding of AMD prevalence in Asians is essential to meet future demands for eye health care.


METHODS
We searched published literature reporting AMD prevalence in Asian populations. We limited studies examined to those using standardized grading systems (either the Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading System or the international classification proposed by the International ARM Epidemiological Study Group). We used metaanalytical methods to calculate age-specific pooled prevalence of AMD using inverse-variance weighting in a random effect model. We also calculated pooled estimates of age-standardized prevalence. A metaregression model was used to examine gender differences and differences between Asian and white populations.


RESULTS
We identified 9 studies reporting AMD prevalence from 4 Asian populations. Pooled prevalence estimates of early and late AMD in Asian populations aged 40 to 79 years were 6.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.6%-8.9%) and 0.56% (95% CI, 0.30%-0.81%), respectively; corresponding prevalence estimates in white populations were 8.8% (95% CI, 3.8%-13.8%) and 0.59% (95% CI, 0.35%-0.84%), respectively. Reliable prevalence estimates of AMD in Asian persons aged > or =80 years were not available owing to small subject numbers in this age category.


CONCLUSIONS
Among persons aged 40 to 79 years, the age-specific prevalence of late AMD in Asians was comparable with that reported from white populations, but early AMD signs were less common among Asians. Further studies in Asian populations are warranted to investigate whether certain specific AMD phenotypes or subtypes, such as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, are more common.
Kawasaki
Ryo
R
Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia.
Yasuda
Miho
M
Song
Su Jeong
SJ
Chen
Shih-Jen
SJ
Jonas
Jost B
JB
Wang
Jie Jin
JJ
Mitchell
Paul
P
Wong
Tien Y
TY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044466:Asian People / Q000208:ethnology*; D005202:Asia, Eastern / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000208:ethnology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D015995:Prevalence; D044465:White People / Q000208:ethnology