Clinical Scorecard: Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities in Vision-Threatening AMD

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Projected 288 million cases of AMD globally by 2040.
• Lower SES individuals present with more advanced stages of VT-AMD.
• Significant disparities in eye care utilization based on income levels.
• Patient assistance programs and telemedicine can improve access to care.
• No differences in intravitreal injection rates across income brackets.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Utilize ICD-9 or ICD-10 codes for VT-AMD diagnosis.

Management

• Implement patient assistance programs for anti-VEGF therapies.
• Adopt telemedicine for remote monitoring and follow-up.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Track eye care utilization metrics such as examinations and imaging.

Risks

• Financial strain and mobility issues limit access to necessary treatments.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Low-income individuals diagnosed with VT-AMD.

Cost of anti-VEGF therapies can delay treatment and compromise outcomes.

Clinical Best Practices

• Address barriers to care through targeted interventions.
• Enhance follow-up care and reduce wait times in underserved areas.
• Promote equitable access to eye care regardless of socioeconomic status.

References

• Global prevalence of age-related macular degeneration
• Age-related macular degeneration overview
• Socioeconomic status and visual outcome
• Socio-economic status and outcomes for AMD patients
• Barriers to care in neovascular AMD