Relationship of Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Body Mass Index

To determine the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and exudative age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). This case-control study was conducted on 60 patients with exudative ARMD and 60 controls, both aged over 50. Age, sex, cigarette smoking and blood pressure were evaluated beside BMI. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software, version 9.0 using Pearson Chi square and t tests. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculate for over-weight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) and smoking. Subjects were male in 66.7% of the case group and 43.3% of the control group. (P<0.01) Mean age was 71.0 and 71.4 years in the case and control groups, respectively. Mean BMI was 26.77 and 25.32 kg/m2 in the case and control groups, respectively. (P>0.05) There were 5% lean (BMI < 20 kg/m2), 35% normal-weight (20 < BMI < 25kg/m2), and 60% over-weight subjects in the case group and 15% lean, 38.3% normal-weight, and 46.7% over-weight subjects in the control group. (P>0.05) Being over-weight did not predispose to exudative ARMD before (OR= 1.71, 95%CI: 0.81-3.57) and after (OR= 1.65, 95%CI: 0.73-2.6) omitting the smoking factor. Cigarette smoking was a significant risk factor for exudative ARMD (OR= 10.54, 95%CI: 2.33-49.47). This study showed no significant relation between BMI and exudative ARMD.