Abstract
PurposeTo investigate the association between blood lead levels and prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsA nationwide population-based cross-sectional study included 4,933 subjects aged over 40 years who participated in the 2008–2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and for whom fundus photographs were available. All participants underwent a standardized interview, evaluation of blood lead concentration, and a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. Digital fundus photographs (45°) were taken of both eyes under physiological mydriasis. All fundus photographs were graded using an international classification and grading system.ResultsMean blood lead levels were 3.15 μg/dL in men and 2.27 μg/dL in women (P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders including age, gender, smoking status, total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, heart problems and strokes, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) in women for any AMD was 1.86 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.03–3.36) and for early AMD was 1.92 (95% CI, 1.06–3.48), for those in the highest quintile of lead level compared with the lowest quintile. In men, however, blood lead level was not significantly associated with AMD.ConclusionsBlood lead levels were higher in men, but were only associated with AMD in women. Increased levels of blood lead may be involved in the pathogenesis of AMD development in women.
Highlights
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness among the elderly in industrialized countries [1]
Blood lead levels were higher in men, but were only associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in women
Increased levels of blood lead may be involved in the pathogenesis of AMD development in women
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness among the elderly in industrialized countries [1]. The precise etiology of the condition remains unclear, AMD is known to be a multifactorial disease, involving interactions between genetic and environmental factors [2]. Other potential factors include cardiovascular disease, dietary oxidant intake, and sunlight exposure, all of which have been inconsistently associated with prevalence of AMD [4,5,6,7]. We previously reported that AMD is associated with age, hypertension, and male gender in a representative Korean population [8, 9]. We reported that blood cadmium levels were positively associated with prevalence of AMD in a representative Korean population [13]
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