Epidemiology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Elderly in Geriatric Homes

Abstract

Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in elderly population. It can cause irreversible loss of vision. Objective To measure the prevalence of AMD among a sample of elderly persons residing in geriatric homes, and to measure the effect of AMD on falls frequency in these elderly persons. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 283 elderly persons in thirty geriatric homes in different geographical areas in Cairo. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, Amsler Grid as a screening test for AMD and fundus examination. Results The study included 283 elderly persons with a mean age of 73.18±7.09 (60–96) years. The overall prevalence of AMD among the participants was 12.7%. The prevalence of early AMD was 58.4% while the prevalence of late dry and late wet AMD was 8.3% and 33.3% respectively. About 61.1% of the participants had unilateral AMD and only 38.9% were bilaterally affected. There was a significantly higher prevalence of AMD among those aged at least 80 years as compared with other age groups. The frequency of falls during the last year in the study participants was 53.7%, out of them 17.8% had AMD. Conclusion Prevalence of AMD was relatively high especially with increasing age. Among our participants, AMD was significantly associated with an increased risk of falls compared to nonAMD peers.