Publication: Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Nepal
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu university
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
The Age–related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of visual impairment
and blindness worldwide in elderly.
Objective
This study aimed to explore the demographic characteristics, pattern and risk factors
for AMD at a tertiary referral eye centre in Nepal.
Methods
This is a hospital-based prospective study, conducted at Tilganga Institute of
Ophthalmology, Nepal from September 2008 to May 2009. All the consecutive cases of
AMD diagnosed at the institute were included.
Results
A total of 141 patients (266 eyes) with AMD recruited for the study. The mean age
was 69.5 years (9.1SD) with three fifth males (58.9%). Housewives and occupations
like agriculture comprised of 38.3% and 42.5% respectively. Three fourth (75.6%) of
the patients were illiterate. The proportion of dry and wet AMD were found in 62.4%
and 37.6% respectively. Bilateral involvement was seen in 88.7% of the subjects. Three
fourth (71.4%) of the AMD eyes had presenting visual acuity less than 6/18. History of
smoking was found in 69.9% of patients. Hypertension was the predominant systemic
problem (45.4%) followed by diabetes mellitus (12.8%).
Conclusion
AMD is correlated with ageing in our study as well. Dry AMD is more in age groups
45-64 years and wet AMD at 65 years and older. Bilateral involvement with one eye
dry and fellow eye wet AMD is more predominant (44%). Smoking and occupations
like agriculture and housewife are significant risk factors for AMD. Likewise male sex,
illiteracy and hypertension are other risk factors for AMD in hospital settings.
KEYWORDS
agriculture, dry macular degeneration, hypertension, illiterate, smoking, wet macular
degeneration
Description
Thapa R, Paudyal G, Shrestha MK, Gurung R, Ruit S
Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology Gaushala, Kathmandu