Wenzhou Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Progression Study

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Description

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.[1] The disease is categorized into early, intermediate, or advanced stages based on the severity of symptoms. The advanced stage, including GA and CNV, involves central region of the retina, which leads to a gra...

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.[1] The disease is categorized into early, intermediate, or advanced stages based on the severity of symptoms. The advanced stage, including GA and CNV, involves central region of the retina, which leads to a gradual or rapid loss of photoreceptors and central vision. The macular pigment (MP) consists of xanthophyll, which is formed from the yellow carotenoid lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin.These pigments play an important role in protecting the retina against oxidative stress through different mechanisms[6]. Many studies have shown a various association of AMD and MP.Blue Mountain Eye Study revealed low dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin is associated with a higher risk of AMD. However, dry and wet subtypes of AMD may have different etiologies and risk factors. Little is known whether longitudinal study of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is related to AMD progression. A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination including fundus photography,OCT and MPOD was performed at baseline, and semiannually thereafter for 3 years. Fundus reflectance (VISUCAM 500, reflectance of a single 460 nm wavelength) was used to measure the MPOD levels. Associated risk factors including body-mass index (BMI), smoking, diet, and cardiovascular diseases were documented. Drusen characteristics (size, type, area), pigmentary abnormalities (increased pigment, depigmentation, geographic atrophy), and presence of abnormalities characteristic of neovascular AMD were graded. For estimations of AMD progression , a 9-step severity scale that combines a 6-step drusen area scale with a 5-step pigmentary abnormality scale is used. In this study, we are going to investigate a 3-year study of incidence and progression for AMD and associated risk factors, in a population-based cohort of Chinese aged 45 years and older living in the city of Wenzhou.

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