Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and age-related maculopathy (ARM): cross-sectional findings from the Blue Mountains Eye Study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and prevalence of age-related maculopathy (ARM).


METHODS
Eligible residents aged >/= 49 years were first examined in 1992-94 (Cross-section 1, n = 3654). Of these, 2335 were re-examined in 1997-99, together with an additional 1174 who became eligible after 1994 (Cross-section 2, n = 3509). Information regarding ACEI use was obtained and retinal photographs were graded using the Wisconsin ARM Grading System.


RESULTS
In Cross-section 1, prevalence rates of late and early stage ARM were 1.3% and 4.3% among current ACEI users, and 2.0% and 4.8% among non-current users, respectively. In Cross-section 2, prevalence rates of late and early stage ARM were 2.3% and 11.3% among current ACEI users, and 1.3% and 9.3% among non-current users, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex and smoking, neither survey found any significant association between ACEI use and prevalence of either late or early ARM.


CONCLUSIONS
No significant cross-sectional associations were found between ACEI use and ARM prevalence in this population.
Wu
Kathy H C
KH
Department of Ophthalmology, Westmead Millennium and Save Sight Institutes, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Wang
Jie Jin
JJ
Rochtchina
Elena
E
Foran
Suriya
S
Ng
Martin K C
MK
Mitchell
Paul
P
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors