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. 2021 Jul;259(7):1993-2003.
doi: 10.1007/s00417-021-05093-4. Epub 2021 Feb 12.

Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration among optometric telemedicine users in Spain: a retrospective nationwide population-based study

Miguel A Zapata  1   2 , Anniken Burés  3   4 , Roberto Gallego-Pinazo  3   5 , Estanislao Gutiérrez-Sánchez  3   6 , Andrea Oléñik  3 , Salvador Pastor  3   7 , Jorge Ruiz-Medrano  3   8 , Cecilia Salinas  3   4 , Susana Otero-Romero  9 , Maximino Abraldes  3   10 ; On behalf Optretina reading group
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Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration among optometric telemedicine users in Spain: a retrospective nationwide population-based study

Miguel A Zapata et al. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of AMD among optometric telemedicine users in Spain and to identify risk factors.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of a nationwide database conducted on subjects attending to optometry centers, between January 2013 and December 2019. Fundus photographs were performed by optometrists, using non-mydriatic cameras, and evaluated by a group of 12 retina specialists.

Results: Among the 119,877 subjects included, the overall prevalence of AMD was 7.6%. The prevalence of early, intermediate, and advanced AMD was 2.9%, 2.7%, and 2.0%, respectively. Of the 9129 AMD subjects, 1161 (12.7%) had geographic atrophy, and 1089 (11.9%) had neovascular AMD, either scar (4.5%) or exudative (7.4%). There was a significant association between AMD and age (per year older, adjusted odds ratio, OR 1.116; 95% CI 1.114 to 1.119, p<0.0001). Women had higher prevalence (adjusted OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.23, p<0.0001). Every diopter (spherical equivalent) of progress toward hyperopia was associated with a significant increase in early AMD prevalence (adjusted OR 1.02, 95 CI 1.01 to 1.04, p=0.0074). Presence of diabetes was associated with a lower AMD prevalence (p<0.0001).

Conclusions: The prevalence of AMD (any eye and any severity) was 7.6%, with a prevalence of advanced AMD of 2.0%. Older age and women were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of AMD, whereas myopia and presence of diabetes were associated with significantly lower odds of any AMD.

Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration; Epidemiology; Macula; Prevalence; Retina; Retinal disorders; Risk factors; Telemedicine.

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