Background/Aim The aim of this study was to estimate the nationwide incidence of clinically diagnosed exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and associated use of ranibizumab and aflibercept in South Korea.

Methods In this retrospective, population-based cohort study, claims data for 2010–2015 were analysed in a randomly selected sample of 519 661 adults aged ≥40 years. The incidence per 10 000 person-years was estimated, along with the 95% CI. Incident exudative AMD was defined based on the registration code for rare intractable diseases. Use of ranibizumab and aflibercept and the incidence of exudative AMD were recorded.

Results Nine hundred and twelve patients were newly diagnosed with exudative AMD in 2010–2015. The 6-year incidence in the general population aged ≥40 years was 2.9 (95% CI 2.8 to 3.0) per 10 000 person-years. The incidence was highest in individuals aged 75–79 years (12.0, 95% CI 10.3 to 13.8). The incidence was higher in men than in women in all age groups. Six hundred and twenty-five (69%) of the 912 newly diagnosed patients started ranibizumab or aflibercept as a first-line treatment. The average number of injections administered was 6.1 (SD 3.9; minimum of 1 injection and maximum government-supported limit of 14) during 2010–2015; the number increased with increasing government funding support (from 5 to 10 and from 10 to 14 in 2013 and 2014, respectively).

Conclusions This study describes the incidence of exudative AMD in South Korea and its treatment under the national health insurance system in this country. Its findings could be used for reference purposes and be useful when planning treatment for exudative AMD.