CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND RISK FACTORS OF AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A REVIEW.

Abstract

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is one of the age-related eye diseases (AREDs) 
in relation to low vision and blindness of great concern globally. With life expectancy on the increase, 
we expect to see more aged people. This will result in an increase in patients with Age-related Eye 
Diseases (AREDs).
Objective: The objective of this article was to identify the risk factors and forms of presentation of this 
disease.
Methods: Information for this review article was sourced from journal articles, Google Scholar, Google
and Pubmed search engines. The search words included age-related macular degeneration, risk factors, 
clinical characteristics.
Results: Age-related macular degeneration represents a sizeable amount of retinal diseases globally. 
Risk factors associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration include age (60 years and above), 
lifestyle (cigarette smoking and diet), refractive error (myopia) and the presence of lens opacities. Other 
factors such as genetics, systemic comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia) 
have also been implicated. The presenting pattern is predominantly the early type. The clinical features 
are largely characterised by reduction in visual acuity, especially for the late type where it is more 
marked, the presence of retinal hyperpigmentation and hard drusen. 
Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of ARMD, manifestations and predominant type show racial
differences, the advanced form being more prevalent in Whites and the early forms in Blacks. 
Identification of risk factors for ARMD would help to reduce the risk of development or progression of 
this disease condition.