Thyroid dysfunction as a modifiable risk factor for age-related macular degeneration: A case-control investigation

Abstract

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is regarded amongst as a common conditions resulting in visual impairment in elderly. Age and gender are unmodifiable risk factors for AMD, obesity, smoking, and hyperlipidemia are known to be modifiable culprits. This has remained controversial for hypertension and thyroid dysfunction. The present study attempted to investigate possible links between thyroid dysfunction and incidence of wet AMD.Methods: The present case-control study enrolled a total number of 90 patients with wet AMD and 90sex-, age-matched control subjects through a convenient sequential sampling method. Thyroid hormones were profiled in serum assay. Statistical measures were done to compare means between groups.Results: Our findings showed a significant difference in free T4 levels between the between wet AMD and control groups (p = 0.002), though this has not been the case for T3 and TSH l. In addition, there were no differences in serum lipid profile between groups. Although there found to be no significant difference in the past history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia between wet AMD and control groups, history of smoking was higher in controls) (p = 0.039).Conclusion: Based on our findings retinal examination and proper screening need to perhaps be a part of the overall health examination especially in elderly subjects with thyroid dysfunction. The clinical significance and related recommendations on the above need ti substantiated in future community-based research.