19
6. Incidence of AMD
Data on the incidence of AMD were mainly provided
by a few population-based studies from industrialized
countries. They confirm the observations from preva-
lence studies, with an exponential increase of the inci-
dence of late AMD with age, and similar incidence rates
in Caucasian populations from the United States
(20)
,
Australia
(21-22)
and Europe
(23,24,25)
. These studies have
largely contributed to the recognition of large soft dru-
sen and pigmentary abnormalities as the precursors of
late AMD, thereby giving a more precise outline of the
definition of early AMD, although differences in clas-
sifications do persist.
Very few data are available on the incidence of late
AMD in other ethnic groups and geographical areas.
The Barbados study confirmed a low incidence of early
and late AMD in subjects of African origin
(26)
. In the
Hisayama Study, the incidence rates of early and late
AMD were similar to those observed in Caucasians, con-
firming the prevalence observations
(27)
.
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, the worldwide epidemiology of AMD
is slowly emerging. There is still a total lack of data in
large areas of the world (South America, Africa) and
in many ethnic groups (in particular ethnic minorities
from Europe). The initial feeling that AMD is more fre-
quent in Caucasians and less frequent in “pigmented”
populations is challenged by observations. Indeed, while
African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans appear at
lower risk of late AMD than Caucasians, the frequency
of AMD seems as high in Asians as in Caucasians. While
the picture of the epidemiology of AMD gets clearer, it
becomes more complicated. Understanding the reasons
of these ethnic and geographical variations will contrib-
ute to a better knowledge of the determinants of AMD.
Epidemiology of AMD
Correspondence concerning this article can be sent directly to the author through the email:
