REVIEWS  GERIATRICS 

Minerva Medica 2009 February;100(1):69-78

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

The cost-effectiveness of treatment of age-related macular degeneration: a review

Kymes Steven M. ^{1, 3}

¹ Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA 2 Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO, USA 3 Center for Health Policy, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO, USA

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the retina, most often seen among people over the age of 50. The disease is typically manifested by the loss of central vision and as such represents a major threat to the quality of life to those suffering with it. This report reviewed the evidence concerning the economic impact of macular degeneration in the developed world, examining reports on direct and indirect medical costs, as well as those that have attempted to estimate non-health care costs. It also aimed to review reports of the cost-effectiveness of treatment of the disease, examining nutritional supplements, photodynamic therapy, and anti-VEGF treatments.