Age-related macular degeneration could affect nearly 80 million Europeans by 2050

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause for visual impairment among people in Europe, and a new study finds that some 77 million Europeans could be affected by the condition in the next 30 years. Researchers reviewed data from 26 studies published since 1996, and found that some 1.4 per 1,000 people — or 67 million Europeans — currently have the late stage of the disease. But given the aging population in Europe, the scientists estimate that by 2050, the number of people with late AMD could increase by 15% to around 77 million. This could mean that the incidence rate for late-stage disease could jump from roughly 400,000 people per year currently to 700,000 people per year by 2050. Monitoring and treating people with the condition will require advanced planning and resources, the authors write.