Titre du document / Document title

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

Auteur(s) / Author(s)

ROSENTHAL Bruce ^{(1 2)} ; THOMPSON Bob ^{(1 3)} ;

Affiliation(s) du ou des auteurs / Author(s) Affiliation(s)

⁽¹⁾ The AMD Alliance International, New York, New York, ETATS-UNIS
⁽²⁾ Low Vision Programs, Lighthouse International, New York, New York, ETATS-UNIS
⁽³⁾ Macular Disease Society, London, ROYAUME-UNI

Résumé / Abstract

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.

Revue / Journal Title

Optometry   ISSN 1529-1839 

Source / Source

2003, vol. 74, n^o1, pp. 16-23 [8 page(s) (article)] (19 ref.)

Langue / Language

Anglais

Editeur / Publisher

American Optometric Association, Saint-Louis, MO, ETATS-UNIS  (2000) (Revue)

Mots-clés anglais / English Keywords

Public health ; Maculopathy ; Retinopathy ; Eye disease ; Human ; Survey ; Health education ; Awareness ; Adult ; Macula ; Degeneration ;

Mots-clés français / French Keywords

Santé publique ; Maculopathie ; Rétinopathie ; Oeil pathologie ; Homme ; Enquête ; Education santé ; Prise conscience ; Adulte ; Macula ; Dégénérescence ;

Mots-clés espagnols / Spanish Keywords

Salud pública ; Maculopatía ; Retinopatía ; Ojo patología ; Hombre ; Encuesta ; Educación sanitaria ; Toma de conciencia ; Adulto ; Mácula ; Degeneración ;

Mots-clés d'auteur / Author Keywords

Age-related macular degeneration ; awareness ; eye examination ; international survey ; legal blindness ; low vision ; vision impairment ;

Localisation / Location

INIST-CNRS, Cote INIST : 18907, 35400011983716.0010