Who is affected by macular degeneration

The number of people who have age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increases with age.

  • AMD affects about 2% of people who are older than 50.1 After 50, it occurs with increasing frequency as people age.2
  • Some form of AMD may affect up to 46% of people who are older than 75.1

AMD occurs slightly more often in women than in men. People with light skin are more likely to develop macular degeneration than others. The condition is rare in blacks.



Author: Alison Allen
Robin Parks, MS
Last Updated: October 8, 2007
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine

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