Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and age-related maculopathy (ARM): cross-sectional findings from the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

Abstract

To assess the relationship between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and prevalence of age-related maculopathy (ARM). Eligible residents aged >/= 49 years were first examined in 1992-94 (Cross-section 1, n = 3654). Of these, 2335 were re-examined in 1997-99, together with an additional 1174 who became eligible after 1994 (Cross-section 2, n = 3509). Information regarding ACEI use was obtained and retinal photographs were graded using the Wisconsin ARM Grading System. In Cross-section 1, prevalence rates of late and early stage ARM were 1.3% and 4.3% among current ACEI users, and 2.0% and 4.8% among non-current users, respectively. In Cross-section 2, prevalence rates of late and early stage ARM were 2.3% and 11.3% among current ACEI users, and 1.3% and 9.3% among non-current users, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex and smoking, neither survey found any significant association between ACEI use and prevalence of either late or early ARM. No significant cross-sectional associations were found between ACEI use and ARM prevalence in this population.