The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Korea is projected to more than double by 2040 compared to 2022 levels, according to a study by a research team at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH).
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A nationwide study by SNUBH, led by Professors Woo Se-joon (left) and Kim Min-seok, projects that the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in Korea will more than double by 2040, driven largely by rapid population aging and a sharp rise among the very elderly. (Credit: SNUBH)
The macular degeneration occurs when the macula, the central portion of the retina, is damaged, leading to distorted or blurred vision. The condition is labeled age-related because it typically stems from retinal degeneration as individuals grow older.
The disease shows a sharp rise in incidence among those aged 50 or older and can cause severe visual impairment, inevitably increasing social and economic burdens. The situation is particularly concerning in Korea, where the population is aging at an exceptionally rapid pace.
The SNUBH research team, led by Professors Woo Se-joon and Kim Min-seok of the Department of Ophthalmology, utilized data from the National Health Insurance Service to forecast the growth of AMD patients.
The study tracked patients aged 40 or older from 2013 to 2022 to analyze trends in prevalence and incidence.
The researchers applied age standardization to eliminate the influence of changing population structures and measure the actual increase in the disease. The results showed a steady rise over the decade. The prevalence per 10,000 people grew from 10.7 in 2013 to 22.5 in 2022, a 110 percent increase, while the incidence rose from 2.8 to 4.7 per 10,000 people, a 68 percent increase.
Through time-series analysis, the team projected the situation for 2040, suggesting the prevalence will reach 46.2 per 10,000 people with an incidence rate of 8.4. The cumulative number of patients is expected to hit approximately 374,000, which is nearly three times the 127,000 patients recorded in 2022.
A notable finding was the significant surge among the elderly. For individuals aged 80 or older, the prevalence increased by approximately 10 percent annually, indicating that the number of patients will continue to grow as Korea transitions into a super-aging society.
“The study used reliable public data for a long-term analysis to clearly present concerns regarding the increase in national medical costs and social burdens,” Kim said. “The findings should serve as a basis for policy support, including expanding treatment accessibility, improving the insurance system, and strengthening management for the elderly.”
Woo added that AMD is a fatal condition that often leads to blindness, with high incidence rates among men and the elderly.
“Early treatment and management are crucial to prevent the worsening of symptoms and urged the government to establish systematic and comprehensive response measures to help the rapidly growing patient population,” Woo said.
The study was published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science.
Source: https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=30176
