AMD prevalence in Taiwan similar to other locations, but smoking not a significant risk factor

NUSA DUA, Indonesia — Incidence and prevalence of late stage age-related macular degeneration in elderly Chinese in Taiwan were shown to be similar to other geographic studies, although unlike those studies, smoking was not a significant risk factor for progression, a presenter said here.

Shih-Jen Chen

"AMD is a common eye disease among the elderly Chinese people in Taiwan. Prevalence and incidence of late AMD is comparable to other ethnic groups in the world," Shih-Jen Chen, MD, PhD, said during the joint meeting of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "Age was the only significant factor for progression of AMD. Smoking and alcohol drinking were not associated with progression of AMD, yet smoking showed trends for acquiring AMD."

These results of a 7-year follow-up of the Shihpai Eye Study indicate that the lower levels of complement factor H in the Chinese population may lessen the impact of smoking on progression, Dr. Chen said. The 7-year incidence of any AMD was 9.2%, of early AMD was 7.9% and of late AMD was 1.7%.

"The low prevalence of complement factor H polymorphism and the non-significant role of smoking in the Chinese people may indicate that the interaction of genetic and environmental factors may be different from other ethnic groups," he said. "Further studies, which include complement factor H and other possible related genes as well as environmental factors such as diet, may help clarify the risk factors."