A Study of Correlates of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a dreadful vision disease mainly affecting older people and causing permanent blindness if it remains undiagnosed and untreated. This study is particularly carried out to fill the gaps in the literature regarding the association of various systemic and environmental factors with ARMD. Objective We aim to study the correlates of age-related macular degeneration in patients attending a tertiary hospital. Methods This study is a hospital-based observational case-control study by nature with 260 participants included of ages more than 45 years. The participants were evaluated for risk factors after proper consenting. Result Age (56 years), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 80 mmHg, smoking cigarette for more than 10 years, sedentary lifestyle, body mass index (BMI) > 29.9 kg/m(2), sunlight exposure of more than eight hours, and higher lipid levels are determinants of ARMD. Conclusion Smoking is the strongest risk factor associated with ARMD, followed by diastolic blood pressure and body mass index. Lipid levels and a sedentary lifestyle have a weaker correlation with ARMD. However, age and gender are the most important determinants among non-modifiable factors.