Evaluation of Modifiable Risk Factors in the Development of Age Related Macular Degeneration in Kashmiri Population

Abstract

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of irreversible visual loss, adversely affecting the quality of life. It is a degenerative disorder of the macula involving the choriocapillaries, Bruchs membrane, retinal pigment epithelium and the photoreceptors. It is a multifactorial disease occurring due to a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Gender, ethnicity, smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, history of cardiovascular disorders, high fat intake, low intake of carotenoids, history of cataract surgery, blue iris colour, high sunlight exposure are some of the risk factors, many of which are very well documented and some still remain controversial due to lack of evidence.
 Objective
 The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of some of the modifiable non genetic risk factors in the causation of ARMD and the role of healthy lifestyle in preventing the visual loss due to ARMD.
 Materials & Method
 This is a case control study which was conducted on the outdoor patients attending Al Kabir eye care center, Srinagar. The ARMD status of the patients was confirmed by thorough ophthalmological examination by a single opthalmologist. Height, weight BMI, history of smoking, history of hypertension, hyperopia, and cataract surgery was taken. Iris color was noted. Detailed dietary history regarding intake of fruits, vegetables, beef, lamb, and fish was taken. Data was analysed using Chi square test.
 Result
 We found that prevalence of ARMD increases after 60 years of age. History of smoking, history of higher intake of beef and lamb is strongly associated with ARMD (p value <0.01and <0.03 respectively). We did not find any association between ARMD and history of cataract surgery, hyperopia or hypertension nor did our study find any significant difference in the association of ARMD and iris colour.
 Conclusion
 From our analysis we can conclude that ARMD is a disease of the older population and cigarette smoking, excessive consumption of beef and lamb are significant risk factors for the causation of ARMD