J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2009 Nov;50(11):1645-1651.

The Prevalence of Vitreoretinal Diseases in a Screened Korean Population 50 Years and Older

• Youm DJ
• Oh HS
• Yu HG
• Song SJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
To describe the prevalence of vitreoretinal diseases in the Korean population 50 years or older at a health screening center.
METHODS
The participants of this study included 11,180 adults 50 years of age and older who visited the Health Promotion Center of Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from January to December 2006. Digital images of non-mydriatic fundus photographs were examined. We calculated the sex- and age-adjusted prevalence of vitreoretinal diseases using the direct standardized method based on the number of resident registrations.
RESULTS
The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of vitreoretinal diseases in Korean adults 50 years of age and older was 9.9%. The prevalence of vitreoretinal diseases significantly increased with age (P=0.000). There was no significant gender difference in the prevalence of vitreoretinal diseases (p=0.553). Age-related macular degeneration was the most common vitreoretinal disease, with an age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of 5.2%. Epiretinal membrane, retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic retinopathy were common vitreoretinal diseases in that order, and the age- and sex-adjusted prevalences were 1.5%, 1.1%, and 0.9%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of vitreoretinal diseases in a screened Korean population 50 years and older was 9.9%. Vitreoretinal diseases are a major ophthalmic problem in Korea. As the Korean population continues to age and the prevalence of diabetes increases, further investigations about the epidemiology and prevention of vitreoretinal diseases are needed.

Keyword

Age-related macular degeneration; Diabetic retinopathy; Prevalence; Retinal vein occlusion; Vitreoretinal diseases

MeSH Terms

Adult
Diabetic Retinopathy
Epiretinal Membrane
Health Promotion
Humans
Korea
Macular Degeneration
Mass Screening
Prevalence
Retinal Vein Occlusion

Reference

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