Articles about Eye Health and Disease 2001
Sunlight as a Risk factor for Age Related Macular
Degeneration
(From KJ Cruickshanks, MD et al. Sunlight and the 5-Year
Incidence of Early Age-Related Maculopathy. Arch Ophthalmol
2001;119:246-250.)
The Beaver Dam Eye Study is a population based study of age-related
ocular disorders. 4926 individuals in Beaver Dam Wisconsin were randomly
identified and examined from 1988 to 1990. A five-year follow-up
examination was performed on 4541. A questionnaire was given to
participants at each encounter asking about their residential history,
time spent outdoors during leisure and work, use of eyeglasses,
sunglasses, and hats with brims. At the five-year examination, additional
questions were asked about sunlight-related behaviors during their teenage
years and during their 30's.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the
most common cause of visual loss in Caucasians in the United States.
Primarily affecting older individuals, the central area of the retina (the
macula) degenerates, possibly leading to a loss of the central vision.
Risk factors include cigarette smoking, family history, and possible
environmental factors such as sunlight exposure.
Overall, the incidence of early Age-Related Macular Degeneration was
8.2% at the 5-year examination. The incidence was higher in older age
groups, as well as those reporting having blond or red hair (compared to
brown or black hair).
The incidence of early ARMD was 6.9% in those frequently using
sunglasses, hats, or both during their teenage years and 30's, compared to
9.8% who rarely used either hats or sunglasses.
Leisure time spent outdoors (greater than 2 hours per day) in the
summer during teenage years and 30's was significantly associated with
early ARMD. This association remained significant when cigarette smoking
(past or present) was controlled for. Other variables such as beer
drinking and vitamin use did not alter this association.
Overall, this study adds to evidence that exposure to bright sunlight
may be a risk factor for early ARMD. Furthermore, there is evidence that
modification of lifestyle factors (use of hats, sunglasses, or avoiding
exposure) may partly prevent ARMD.
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