DIABETES AND OTHER RISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Abstract

Background and aims: Our aim was to evaluate the association between the potential risk factors and the different stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a population aged 52-85 years. Material and methods: One hundred and ten patients with different stages of AMD were evaluated by direct interview for identifying possible present factors risk and were subjected to a detailed ophthalmological examination, including measurement of the macular area by the Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomograph Heidelberg Engineering (SD-OCT). For the grading of AMD we used the International Classification and Grading System for Age-Related Maculopathy. Results: In our study, diabetes, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and smoking were risk factors for AMD. A longer history of diabetes or smoking status was associated with stage 3 or 4 of AMD. We found no statistical significant association between pseudophakia and AMD. Conclusions: Further investigation is needed to identify and to clarify the association between these possible risk factors and AMD.