16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the prevalence and/or incidence of Aging.
Age-related macular degeneration results from underlying pathologic changes that occur primarily at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium, Bruch’s membrane, and the choriocapillaris in the macular region. Drusen (bumps), which are common in elderly people, appear as yellow deposits beneath the pigment epithelium and may be prominent in the macula. No predisposing conditions have been identified; however, some forms of the disorder are hereditary.
Macular degeneration is the most common cause of legal blindness in adults, accounting for about 12% of blindness cases in the United States and for about 17% of new blindness cases. It’s also one of the causes of severe irreversible loss of central vision in elderly people — by age 75, almost 15% of people have this condition. Whites have the highest incidence. Other risk factors are family history and cigarette smoking.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
The term 'prevalence' of Aging usually refers to the estimated population of people who are managing Aging at any given time. The term 'incidence' of Aging refers to the annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Aging diagnosed each year. Hence, these two statistics types can differ: a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence, but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
While menopause is a natural change for all women, it can cause a variety of symptoms that feel anything but natural. One of the most common...
As we age, keeping physically active is essential. It not only improves the appearance of the body, it also prevents the occurrence of health...
We all know that it is important to keep your body active and healthy to live a long life. But the old adage "use it or lose it" is also true....
Caring for an ill spouse can present some exceptionally difficult circumstances. Set boundaries, seek advice and don't forget to care for...