Prevalence and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in elderly patients

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in elderly patients and its correlation with systemic disease, personal and environmental factors. Design: Cross-sectional. Materials and Methods: Patients seen from July 2011 to September 2013, visiting ophthalmic OPD of a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. Visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy using +90 D & +78 D, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed for all cases. The ARMD was confirmed by Fundus Fluroscein Angiography (FFA). The association of ARMD with age, sex, family history of ARMD, history of smoking, occupation, diet, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes was ascertained. Result: Out of 5000 patients screened, 76 were diagnosed with ARMD. The proportion of overall ARMD was 1.52%. The proportion of Dry and Wet ARMD was 1.42% and 0.1%. In our study, we found a significant association of increasing age (P < 0.05), males (P < 0.005), smoking (P < 0.01) and occupation (P < 0.01) with ARMD. Conclusion: The prevalence of ARMD in our population in Maharashtra was found to be low. Visual disability of blinding due to ARMD was of low magnitude. Older age group, male gender, history of smoking and occupation were significant risk factors for ARMD.