Development and Validation of the Asian AMD Age-Related Macular Degeneration Risk Scale

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to develop a method for predicting the risk of developing macular degeneration in the early stages by facilitating prompt intervention by medical professionals.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 455 age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients from Kazakhstan were recruited via random sampling. Demographic traits, familial AMD history, medical history, and eye-related characteristics were collected through a systematic questionnaire. The patient cohort comprised 169 Caucasians and 286 Asians, with 160 males and 295 females.

Results: Notably, 117 individuals (25.7%) were classified as high AMD risk, 322 (70.8%) as moderate risk, and 16 (3.5%) as low risk. Additionally, eye-related findings revealed high-risk factors, including bright iris colors, increased UV exposure, and cataract surgery, alongside presbyopia and myopia. The study underscores the need for national/regional AMD risk stratification to inform monitoring and screening programs. Recognizing high-risk individuals holds paramount significance from both public health and therapeutic perspectives, offering opportunities for early detection and management to mitigate permanent vision loss.

Conclusions: The findings elucidate the interplay between risk factors, shedding light on their collective impact on AMD risk. Overall, this study's predictive model and risk categorization framework have substantial implications for ophthalmological practice, enabling timely preventive measures and potentially revolutionizing AMD management.