Description

For sample adults, MACDEGENEV reports whether a physician or other health professional ever diagnosed the person as having macular degeneration.

In 2002, those who had ever been diagnosed with this condition were then asked whether they had macular degeneration during the past 12 months (MACDEGENYR).

The Field Representative's Manual defined macular degeneration as "when the macula, which is a small area in the eye where vision is sharpest, deteriorates. Central vision declines, making it difficult to do close work such as reading or recognizing faces. The person may still have side vision." This definition was not routinely shared with persons.

Comparability

This variable is largely comparable over time.

Universe

Availability

• 1999, 2002, 2008, 2016-2017

Weights

• 1999, 2002, 2008, 2016-2017 : SAMPWEIGHT