Radiographic Evidence Study of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (R.E.A.D. Study)

Project Summary

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in developed countries. AMD accounts for 8.7% of all blindness worldwide. In 2020, it was estimated that 196 million people globally suffered from AMD and that number is expected to increase to 288 million in 2040. Canada currently lacks high-quality prevalence data for age-related macular degeneration and many other retinal conditions. The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging offers us an opportunity to assess these eye diseases relying on color fundus photography to identify eye diseases and associated risk factors. We hope to establish a reading centre to assess the CLSA’s retinal images. The resulting data on prevalence, progression rates, and risk factors from this study will increase understanding of the clinical course of AMD, generate hypotheses about etiology, and aid in the design of clinical trials of potential interventions.