The Prevalence of Age-Related Eye Disease in an Elderly Population

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Iranians over the age of 54 years.

Methods: Through a cross-sectional study using randomized cluster sampling, 60 clusters were selected in Sari, a city in the North of Iran. In each cluster, 20 people over 54 years of age were chosen systematically and were invited to participate in the study. After enrollment, all participants had optometric and ophthalmologic exams including slit lamp biomicroscopy and fundoscopy.

Results: Of the 1185 selected persons, 937 (79.1%) participated in this study (age range 55–87 years). The prevalence of cataracts, AMD, glaucoma, and DR in at least one eye was 29.6% (95% confidence interval CI] 26.6–32.5), 5.8% (95% CI: 4.3–7.3), 3.7% (95% CI: 2.5–5.0), and 2.7% (95% CI: 1.6–3.7), respectively. All prevalences significantly increased with aging. AMD was more prevalent in men (7.4%) than women (4.4%) (p = 0.054). Overall, 35.8% (95% CI: 32.7–38.8) of participants had at least one of the four conditions; this rate was 27.4% for the 55–59-year old age group and 52.4% for those over 75 years of age.

Conclusion: Overall, 35.8% of the studied population had at least one of the four diseases. Cataracts, followed by AMD, are the most common age-related eye diseases in the Iranian population, and thus, precise planning along with enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic facilities are necessary.