Title: A Comparative Risk Factor Analysis of Variants of Agerelated Macular Degeneration

Authors: Dr Valsa T Stephen, Dr Ambily S

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i6.27

Abstract

Introduction:  Wet Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) accounts for majority of severe visual loss  due to AMD. A knowledge of risk factors associated with wet Agerelated Macular degeneration will help in prevention of the disease by control or modifying these risk factors.

Aim: To study  whether there is any difference in risk factors for dry and wet AMD.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional comparative study of risk factors  between patients with dry and wet AMD.  Patients above 50 years of age who presented to our outpatient department with age related macular degeneration on clinical examination were included in the study and diagnosed as either wet or dry AMD based on clinical findings. Age, gender, sunlight exposure, history of hypertension, cardio-vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, trauma, radiation, smoking , serum cholesterol and dietary history were noted and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was done using SSPS software using chi squared test.

Results: Diabetes mellitus was found to be a significant risk factor in wet AMD (p value 0.045).Other factors were not statistically significant though age was higher in the wet AMD group.

Conclusion: The finding of diabetes as a risk factor for wet AMD supports the vascular pathogenesis of the disease. Further larger studies and longer follow-ups are required to study why some AMDs become wet while others remain dry .

Key Words:  Wet or neovascular Age related macular degeneration, Dry Age related macular degeneration, risk factors.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Valsa T Stephen

TC/1596 , S N Nagar ,Thuruvickal  P.O,Trivandrum 11

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Ph no :9497640858