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Awareness of age-related macular degeneration in adults: the results of a large-scale international survey.

BACKGROUND
Early detection and prompt implementation of appropriate rehabilitation services and therapy can help minimize the long-term disability that results from age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). The level of awareness of ARMD among the general public may influence early detection of this disease.


METHODS
Random samples of European and North American populations were interviewed in an international survey designed to assess the attitudes of people to eye examinations, awareness of the causes of vision loss, awareness of ARMD, and knowledge of its treatment options.


RESULTS
A total of 7,830 adults of at least 18 years of age were questioned. The main finding was that knowledge of ARMD is poor-the majority of respondents (70%) were not at all familiar with ARMD. Only 2% of participants knew that ARMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults 50 years of age or older, while a majority of those surveyed (75%) was unaware of treatments available for ARMD.


CONCLUSIONS
These data show that there is low public awareness of ARMD, which may result in people with ARMD not receiving prompt medical advice and treatment. There is a need for a wide-ranging educational initiative to increase awareness of ARMD and highlight the importance of undergoing regular eye examinations.