[Epidemiology of age-related macular degeneration]

Epidemiology of age-related macular degeneration. The epidemiological studies conducted in the last 30 years have allowed the estimation of the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the different continents, and the identification of its main risk factors. Thus, the prevalence of AMD increases strongly with age and is more frequent in populations of European ancestry than in those of African ancestry, with an intermediate situation in Asians and Hispanics. More than 50 genetic polymorphisms have been identified as associated with AMD, including 2 major associations with the complement factor H (CFH) and ARMS2 genes. Smoking is a major risk factor, with a 5-fold increased risk in heavy smokers. Finally, the role of nutrition (in particular intakes of antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin and omega 3 fatty acids) appears important. The major role played by modifiable factors (in particular smoking and nutrition) opens the way to preventive strategies.