AMD Impact
On World Sight Day 2022, Retina International (RI) launched the findings of a global study examining the socioeconomic impact of late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Bulgaria, Germany and the United States.
The study explores the impact of late-stage AMD on people living with the condition, their caregivers and society as a whole. By examining three countries with different socioeconomic contexts, the research highlights the significant economic and wider personal costs associated with advanced AMD.
What is AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. As the condition progresses, people may experience difficulties with everyday activities such as reading, driving and recognising faces.
Late-stage AMD includes two forms: neovascular AMD (nAMD), also known as wet AMD, and geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of dry AMD. Both can cause significant and irreversible central vision loss.
Understanding the economic impact of AMD
Direct medical costs
Expenses associated with medical treatment and care.
Indirect medical costs
Additional costs related to managing the condition, including care and assistive technologies.
Productivity costs
The economic impact of reduced working hours, job loss and the time required to provide care.
Wellbeing costs
The wider impact of AMD on quality of life and wellbeing.
Key findings by country
United States
The total economic impact of late-stage AMD was estimated at €43.1 billion (US$49.1 billion), comprising:
- €23.9 billion associated with neovascular AMD (nAMD).
- €19.2 billion associated with geographic atrophy (GA).
Productivity losses represented the largest share of costs for both conditions, accounting for 46% of the total estimated cost associated with nAMD and 36% for GA.
Germany
The total economic impact of late-stage AMD was estimated at €7.6 billion, comprising:
- €3.9 billion associated with nAMD.
- €3.7 billion associated with GA.
Wellbeing costs accounted for a substantial proportion of the overall burden. They represented 48% of the estimated costs associated with nAMD and 87% of costs associated with GA.
Bulgaria
The total economic impact of late-stage AMD was estimated at €449.4 million (879.5 million BGN), comprising:
- €228.9 million associated with nAMD.
- €220.5 million associated with GA.
As in Germany, wellbeing costs represented the largest share of the burden. They accounted for 64% of estimated costs associated with nAMD and 87% of costs associated with GA.
Note: The figures in the text are based on the study’s mid-range prevalence estimates.
Why these findings matter
The study highlights the substantial economic and personal consequences of late-stage AMD. By making these costs more visible, the findings can help inform healthcare planning, policy development and advocacy, supporting better recognition of the needs of people living with AMD and their caregivers.
Understanding the wider burden of AMD is an important step towards ensuring that decisions about research, healthcare and support are informed by evidence and reflect the real-life experiences of those affected.
Resources
Download the AMD Impact Study report as a PDF
DownloadDownload the accessible version of the AMD Impact Study report
Download as a Word DocNo items match this filter.
Acknowledgements
Retina International (RI) would like to thank sincerely our members Retina Bulgaria, PRORETINA Deutschland e.V., and Foundation Fighting Blindness (US), in addition to the local clinical liaisons for their collaboration and support on this project. RI would also like to pay acknowledgement to the contribution of Ernst & Young (EY), whom RI engaged to undertake an analysis of these data and compile the report.
The report has been compiled thanks to the financial support of:
- Alexion, Astra Zeneca Rare Disease Pharmaceuticals
- Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Novartis Pharma AG
- Hoffmann La Roche Ltd
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