OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe the socio-economic impact of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to assess, on a yearly basis, its medical and social costs. METHODS: A multicenter observational study was carried out in a sample of 105 patients. Two ophthalmic referral care centers participated in the study. All subsequent patients who consulted during a three-week period were included provided they presented the following criteria: > 60 years of age; an exudative form of AMD with a distance visual acuity in the best eye <0.5. Data collected included clinical items, treatment, medical follow-up and transportation costs. The impact of AMD on the living conditions and welfare payments related to visual impairment were also recorded. A payer perspective was used. Age and the severity of the disease were examined as cost factors. RESULTS: Mean age was 79.3 years and ranged from 62.8 to 95. Median distance visual acuity in the best eye was 0.16 and average length of evolution was 3.5 years. Over a three-month period, patients had an average of 2.6 visits to the ophthalmologist. Thirty percent of the patients received vascular medications and 72.4% had been previously treated by photocoagulation. Only 10 % had benefited from visual rehabilitation. Hospitalizations were rare (3%). AMD annual cost per patient was EUR 3,872.99 [3,163.19; 4,582.80]. Fifty percent of this was attributed to medical costs. Other major cost components were home help at EUR 904.94 [485.40; 1,324.33] and transportation costs for care at EUR 542.72 [154.28; 931.16]. Total cost increased with age and with the loss of visual acuity. CONCLUSION: This study consisted in assessing the cost of resources consumed. It probably underestimates the burden of AMD. Indeed, the need for assistance in every day life is important. Related costs being supported by the patient, the recourse to expensive aids is very limited.