Economic Burden of Late-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Bulgaria, Germany, and the US.

Question: What is the economic burden of late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Bulgaria, Germany, and the US?

Findings: In this economic evaluation study, the per-annum economic burden of late-stage AMD in the 3 studied countries was large, with reduced well-being and loss in productivity accounting for most of the cost burden across countries. Direct medical costs contributed to a relatively small portion of the total cost.

Meaning: The findings suggest that the financial toll associated with late-stage AMD is substantial and warrants investments in AMD care and treatments.

Paudel N, Brady L, Stratieva P, et al. Economic Burden of Late-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Bulgaria, Germany, and the US. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2024;142(12):1123–1130. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.4401

Published JAMA Ophthalmology, Published Online: October 31, 2024