To study the relation between the clinical risk factors and age related macular degeneration

• Author Details:   
• Fatima Munir Ahmed Munshi
• Niharika Chaudhary
• Monika Kapur ^*
• Sugourab Das
• Vishnu Swarup Gupta

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Background: Age related Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older adults with significant social and economic burden worldwide. We have discussed different types of ARMD- wet and dry, highlighting the modifiable risk factors that can significantly slow the disease progression and in some cases reverse early stage changes.

Aims and Objectives: To establish and understand the clinical risk factors associated with dry and wet ARMD.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Total 202 subjects were recruited and categorized in two groups of 101 each, one group consisting of patients of ARMD and the other group had normal controls selected as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk factors studied were gender, hypertension, history of smoking, alcohol, body mass index(BMI), lipid levels, type of diet(vegetarian/ non vegetarian).

Result: we conclude that out 101 ARMD Cases, 98 were diagnosed as dry ARMD and 3 were diagnosed with wet ARMD. Smoking, alcohol drinking and nonvegetarian diet were interpreted as high risk factors while female sex, high blood pressure, high body mass index (BMI) and abnormal lipid levels were considered as moderate risk factors. No statistically significant difference in risk factors between wet and dry ARMD could be seen.

Conclusion: Smoking, alcohol drinking and nonvegetarian diet were significant risk factors associated with development of ARMD.

Keywords: ARMD, Risk factors, Smoking.