Age-related Macular Degeneration Patients Increased 2.3 Times in 5 Years..."Impact of Aging Population"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The number of patients with macular degeneration, an age-related eye disease, has more than doubled compared to five years ago.

The National Health Insurance Service announced on the 22nd the status of macular degeneration treatment from 2017 to 2021 using health insurance treatment data. The number of patients treated for macular degeneration increased approximately 2.30 times from 166,007 in 2017 to 381,854 in 2021. The average annual growth rate was 23.2%.

By age group in the past year, those in their 70s accounted for the largest number of macular degeneration patients at 125,642 (32.9%), followed by those in their 60s (120,576; 31.6%) and those aged 80 and above (71,164; 18.6%). The population aged 60 and older accounted for 83% of the total patients.

Compared to 2017, the age group with the largest increase was those in their 60s, with a 175.0% increase. This was followed by those in their 50s (126.4%) and those aged 80 and above (117.6%).

The number of macular degeneration patients per 100,000 people was recorded as 743 last year. This represents a 127.9% increase compared to 326 in 2017. Comparing the figures over the past five years, the numbers increased annually as follows: 326 in 2017 → 349 in 2018 → 394 in 2019 → 388 in 2020 → 743 in 2021.

Professor Jung Eun-ji of the Department of Ophthalmology at National Health Insurance Ilsan Hospital explained the reason for the increase in macular degeneration patients: "Age-related macular degeneration mainly occurs after the age of 50 and, as the name suggests, is related to aging, so its prevalence sharply increases with age. In South Korea, which is entering an aging society, the increase in the elderly population is thought to be accompanied by an increase in macular degeneration patients."

Professor Jung also explained that while the most certain and powerful risk factor for macular degeneration is increasing age, smoking, ultraviolet exposure, and genetic factors are also known to be related. He advised, "Since it mainly occurs in people aged 50 and above, regular ophthalmologic examinations are necessary for management. It is recommended to quit smoking, protect against ultraviolet rays, maintain appropriate body weight, and consume fruits or vegetables rich in antioxidants."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.