ObjectiveTo study the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the population aged 50 and over in Qidong County of Jangsu Province. Methods3644 individuals from 4 villages were randomly selected by clustering sampling method, according to the household registration information and door to door visits. Visual acuity was measured by modified Bailey-Lovie E logMAR chart. The examination of eyelids, cornea, lens and fundus were also carried out. The diagnosis of AMD was made according to the clinical hierarchy system by Age-Related Eye Diseases Study. χ2 test was used to analyze the prevalence of AMD and its related factors. ResultsAmong 3644 selected individuals, 2985 individuals received examination with a participating rate of 81.92%. In total 97 patients (136 eyes) had AMD with a prevalence rate of 3.25%. Among them, 71 patients (105 eyes) had early stage of AMD (2.38%); 26 patients (31 eyes) had late stage of AMD (0.87%). In these late stage patients, there were 9 patients (13 eyes) of exudative lesions (0.30%). There were 32 male (3.11%) and 65 female (3.32%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female prevalence (χ2=0.29, P > 0.05). Correlation analysis results showed that the long-term smoking (χ2=15.19) and heart cerebrovascular disease (χ2=81.50) was associated with AMD (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe prevalence rate of AMD is 3.25% in the residents aged 50 and above in the rural area of Qidong County, Jangsu Province. Long-term smoking, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease are the risk factors of AMD.