OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to summarize epidemiology, disease burden, symptomatology, treatment pattern, and quality of life in macular degeneration (MD) in the Korean population through a systematic literature review. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted through Korean databases(RISS, KMBase, KoreaMed, NDSL, National Assembly Library), national statistics portals and ophthalmology journals for the period to April 2011, using "macular degeneration" as a keyword. Publications were selected according to pre-defined selection criteria. RESULTS: Forty-three studies were identified and included in the review. Most (40) described clinical characteristics and treatment pattern. 4 described epidemiology and 2 focused on quality of life. No study estimated economic burden. In summary, 1) MD characterizes exudative form, subretinal neovascularization or retinal pigment epithelial detachment, and equal distribution of circular and geographic atrophy; 2) MD is a major reason of low vision/visual impairment; 3) Drug therapy such as bevacizumab or ranibizumab presents effects on decrease of central macular thickness and preservation of visual acuity, but optimized patients have to be identified. Photodynamic therapy is relatively safe, and pneumatic displacement or radiation therapy is somehow effective on visual acuity even though being a risk of vision loss. Concurrent drug and non-drug therapies have been tried as well clinically; 4) Prevalence of MD is higher in elderly over 65 years with 13.3% rate and higher proportion of exudative form than western countries; and 5) Quality of life is decreased in patients with MD or low vision. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes lack of local information especially disease burden and quality of life. In the era growing sharply aging population, prevent and treat MD are crucial for preserving vision and improving quality of life. Therefore future studies are needed.