Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Paul Mitchell

Publications and source records attributed to Paul Mitchell.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Factors predicting severity of tinnitus: a population-based assessment.

The Blue Mountains Hearing Study (BMHS) has shown that tinnitus affects one in three older Australians with 16% of cases describing severe annoyance. Among persons describing severe symptoms, 52% have sought professional help. We aim to identify factors associated with the severity of tinnitus in 2,015 persons aged over 54 years. Comprehensive questionnaires about hearing were administered. Air- (250-8000 Hz) and bone-conduction (500-4000 Hz) audiometric thresholds of both ears, together with transient evoked and spontaneous otoacoustic emissions, were measured. Factors predicting severity of tinnitus were assessed in Cox proportional hazard models. After multivariate adjustment, factors significantly associated with severe tinnitus were hearing loss (relative risk [RR] 2.9), dizziness (RR 2.0), head injury (RR 2.0), sinus and middle ear infections (RR 1.9), and mastoiditis (RR 3.9). Associations with mild tinnitus included age (RR 0.8), hearing loss (RR 1.4) and history of dizziness (RR 1.5), meningitis (RR 2.2), and migraine (RR 1.5). Knowledge of these factors could contribute to improved tinnitus management.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Prevalence of central auditory processing (CAP) abnormality in an older Australian population: the Blue Mountains Hearing Study.

Age-related central auditory processing (CAP) abnormality has been described in many studies with widely varying prevalence reported. To date, there has been only one population study to report prevalence for this age-related condition, and these rates were significantly lower than in reports from clinical studies. The present study reports findings from a recent population study in which 2015 Australians aged 55 years and older living in a defined area west of Sydney were assessed with a battery of behavioral and electrophysiological auditory tests. This battery included speech measures from which a high overall prevalence rate (76.4%) of CAP abnormalities was found, in keeping with previous clinical studies. While gender differences were dependent on the test measure, the number of abnormal test outcomes increased systematically with age. Hearing loss and abnormal cognitive function, however, did not systematically increase with number of abnormal test outcomes.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Hypertensive retinal vessel wall signs in a general older population: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

To describe cross-sectional relations between hypertension and retinal vessel wall signs in an older white population. These signs were defined from fundus photographs in 3654 Blue Mountains Eye Study participants > or =49 years of age. Focal arteriolar narrowing and arteriovenous nicking were graded through the use of standard protocol. Photographs were digitized to measure retinal vessel diameters. Average arteriolar diameter, summarized as central retinal arteriolar equivalent and arteriole-to-venule ratio, were used as indexes of generalized arteriolar narrowing. Blood pressure was measured with the use of a mercury sphygmomanometer. Hypertension was defined through the use of antihypertensive medications, systolic blood pressure > or =160 mm Hg, or diastolic blood pressure > or =95 mm Hg. Hypertension was categorized as controlled (using medication, normal blood pressure), uncontrolled (using medication, high blood pressure), or untreated (not using medication). Hypertensive subjects had higher prevalence of all retinal microvascular signs. After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, and smoking, persons with controlled (18.2%), uncontrolled (13.8%), or untreated hypertension (13.8%) were significantly more likely than normotensive subjects (54.2%) to have (a) lower central retinal arteriolar equivalent: adjusted odds ratios 1.5, (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.9), 2.1 (1.6 to 2.7), and 2.1 (1.6 to 2.7), respectively, and lower arteriole-to-venule ratio: 1.3 (1.0 to 1.6), 1.4 (1.1 to 1.8), and 1.7 (1.3 to 2.2), respectively; (b) focal arteriolar narrowing: 1.3 (0.9 to 1.9), 2.2 (1.5 to 3.2), and 2.5 (1.8 to 3.6), respectively; and (c) arteriovenous nicking: 1.3 (0.9 to 1.8), 2.3 (1.6 to 3.2), and 1.9 (1.3 to 2.7), respectively. Our findings demonstrate a strong relation between presence and severity of hypertension and retinal microvascular structural changes.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Multicenter phase 2 trial of thalidomide in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: adverse prognostic impact of advanced age.

Relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma has a poor outlook. Some patients respond to thalidomide; however, criteria for predicting response have not been conclusively identified. We initiated a prospective multicenter phase 2 trial in patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma using thalidomide up to the maximum dose, 800 mg/d. Interferon-alpha-2B (1.5-3.0 x 10(6) U, subcutaneously, 3 times per week) was added at week 12 if disease was responsive or stable. Patients intolerant of interferon continued thalidomide alone. Thalidomide with or without interferon was continued until disease progression. Objectives were to determine toxicity, response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) and to elucidate relevant prognostic factors. We enrolled 75 patients, with median age 64 years (range, 36-83 years). Median individual maximum-tolerated dose of thalidomide was 600 mg/d; 41% reached 800 mg/d. Overall RR was 28%, and 55% stable disease (SD). The only predictor for response was age 65 years or younger (38% versus 17%; P =.043). At 18 months median follow-up, the actuarial median PFS and OS were 5.5 and 14.6 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis for OS demonstrated age exceeding 65 years (median, 9.2 months versus longer than 26 months; P =.011), raised serum lactate dehydrogenase (P =.002), and raised serum creatinine (P =.007) predicted inferior outcomes. Nineteen patients received interferon. Ten discontinued owing to toxicity. Four of 12 patients who received interferon for longer than 4 weeks were converted from SD to partial response. Our findings confirm substantial activity of thalidomide in relapsed/refractory myeloma. Interferon may improve response in selected patients, but is often not tolerated. The inferior outcome demonstrated in those with the identified prognostic factors is important in planning management for such patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Risk of age-related macular degeneration in eyes with macular drusen or hyperpigmentation: the Blue Mountains Eye Study cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the 5-year risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in eyes with different macular drusen characteristics (ie, size, type, location, and total area) or hyperpigmentation in a population-based cohort. METHODS: The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 residents during 1992-1994; 2335 (75.1% of survivors) were reexamined during 1997-1999. Retinal photographs were graded using the Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading System. Incident AMD lesions were defined by development of neovascular AMD or geographic atrophy in eyes without these lesions at baseline (eyes at risk). Age-adjusted relative risks (RRs) were determined. Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate odds ratios, adjusting for the correlation between eyes and other AMD risk factors. Main Outcome Measure Incidence of AMD. RESULTS: Of the 4634 eyes at risk, 52 (1.1%) developed neovascular or atrophic AMD lesions over 5 years. In right eyes, presence vs absence of the following macular signs predicted AMD: drusen that were 125 micro m or larger (13.9 vs 0.6%; age-adjusted RR, 5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-9.0), indistinct soft or reticular drusen (23.2% vs 0.4%; RR, 9.9; 95% CI, 6.4-15.4), total drusen area of half the disc area or more (31.4% vs 0.6%; RR, 13.5; 95% CI, 8.0-22.8), and hyperpigmentation (14.4% vs 0.5%; RR, 8.0; 95% CI, 5.4-11.9). After adjusting for age, sex, and smoking status, eyes with these signs at baseline had a high likelihood of developing AMD. Eyes with Age-Related Eye Disease Study categories 3 and 4 were 5 times more likely to develop AMD compared with eyes in categories 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: This study quantifies the 5-year risk of AMD in eyes with macular drusen and hyperpigmentation.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

A randomized clinical trial of a single dose of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: one-year results.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a single intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone acetonide in patients with classic choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration can safely reduce the risk of severe visual loss. METHODS: A double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed in patients 60 years or older who had choroidal neovascularization with any classic component, a duration of symptoms of less than 1 year, and a visual acuity of 20/200 or better. Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and cataract grading were performed before the injection and then at 3, 6, and 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The development of severe loss of vision (30 letters) by survival analysis on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one eyes were randomized into the study, and follow-up data were obtained for 73 (97%) of the 75 eyes in the treated group and for 70 (92%) of the 76 eyes in the control group. There was no difference between the 2 groups for the development of severe visual loss during the first year of the study (log-rank chi 2(1) = 0.03, P =.90). In both groups, the 12-month risk of severe visual loss was 35%, with a hazard ratio of 1.05 (95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.86). The change in size of the neovascular membranes, however, was significantly less in eyes receiving triamcinolone than in those receiving placebo 3 months after treatment (P =.01), although no difference was noted after 12 months. After 12 months, treated eyes had a significantly higher risk of an elevated intraocular pressure (31/75 [41%] vs 3/76 [4%]; P<.001), but not of cataract progression (P =.29). CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of intravitreal triamcinolone had no effect on the risk of loss of visual acuity during the first year of the study in eyes with age-related macular degeneration and classic choroidal neovascularization, despite a significant antiangiogenic effect found 3 months after treatment. This biological effect warrants further study.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Iris color and intraocular pressure: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between iris color and intraocular pressure (IOP). DESIGN: Population-based, cross-sectional study. METHODS: The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3,654 largely Caucasian participants, aged 49 to 97 years, from 1992 to 1994. Information was collected about glaucoma risk factors, and Goldmann applanation IOP measurements were taken. Iris color was assessed by comparing the undilated appearance of each eye with three standard photographs. Participants who had previous cataract or glaucoma surgery and those using glaucoma medications were excluded. RESULTS: Mean IOP measurements increased with increasing grades of iris pigmentation. After simultaneous adjustment for variables associated with IOP, mean measurements were 15.92 mm Hg for blue iris color, 16.04 mm Hg for hazel or green, 16.11 mm Hg for tan-brown, and 16.49 mm Hg for dark brown (P for trend = .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a modest but statistically significant association between increasing iris color and IOP.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Asymmetric refraction in an older population: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To describe prevalence and associations of asymmetric refraction in an older population. METHODS: All participants in the Blue Mountains Eye Study had comprehensive eye examinations, including refraction. Spherical equivalent (SEq = sum sphere +.5 cylinder), in diopters, defined refractive error. Refractive asymmetry was assessed in phakic participants; anisometropia was defined as > or =1.0 diopters SEq difference between eyes. RESULTS: Anisometropia was present in 14.7% of participants. Mean refractive asymmetry (in diopters) in persons aged <60 years was 0.43; 60 to 69 years, 0.51; 70 to 79 years, 0.72; and 80+ years, 0.88. Prevalence and severity of anisometropia increased with age (P <.001), increasing ametropia or astigmatism. Associations included older age, cataract, and increasing ametropia. Myopic participants >-3.0 diopters had the highest anisometropia prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive asymmetry was associated with age, increasing ametropia, and cataract.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Five-year change in visual acuity and incidence of visual impairment: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To describe the 5-year change in visual acuity and the incidence of visual impairment in a population-based cohort. DESIGN: Population-based epidemiologic study. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 3654 participants of the Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES I) baseline examination (aged 49 years+ during 1992-1994), 2335 were reexamined during the 5-year follow-up examinations from 1997 to 1999 (BMES II), and 543 persons had died since BMES I. METHODS: Visual acuity was measured using a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution chart in both eyes separately before and after standardized refraction. Pupils were dilated and a detailed examination was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual impairment, after best refractive correction, was defined as any (visual acuity </=20/40; </=41 letters) and severe (visual acuity </=20/200; 0-5 letters) in keeping with the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Incident binocular visual impairment was defined as visual acuity </=20/40 in both eyes at follow-up, where visual acuity was >20/40 in both eyes at baseline. Incident binocular severe visual impairment was defined as visual acuity </=20/200 in both eyes at follow-up, where visual acuity was >20/200 in both eyes at baseline. The incidence for three other levels of visual impairment is also given: <20/40, <20/70, and <20/200. Monocular visual impairment was defined as impairment in one eye only at follow-up, where both eyes were unimpaired at baseline. Incident doubling and halving of the visual angle were calculated. RESULTS: Incidence rates for visual impairment increased significantly with age. Any incident impairment </=20/40 occurred binocularly in 41 persons (1.9%) and monocularly in 150 persons (7.1%). Severe incident impairment </=20/200 occurred binocularly in 3 persons (0.1%) and monocularly in 44 persons (2.1%). Incident impairment <20/40 occurred binocularly in 37 persons (1.7%) and monocularly in 134 persons (6.3%). Impairment <20/70 occurred binocularly in 15 persons (0.7%) and monocularly in 84 persons (3.8%). Impairment <20/200 occurred binocularly in 3 persons (0.1%) and monocularly in 44 persons (1.9%). Women consistently had a higher incidence of visual impairment than men, although this was often not statistically significant after adjusting for age. Increasing age was a strong predictor of visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS: This study has documented the 5-year incidence and causes of visual impairment in an older Australian population.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2003

Five-year cumulative incidence and progression of epiretinal membranes: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To describe the 5-year cumulative incidence and change in epiretinal membranes in a defined older Australian population. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand six hundred fifty-four persons 49 years of age or older, living in the Blue Mountains area, west of Sydney, Australia, participated in the baseline survey during 1992 to 1994. The cohort was reexamined after 5 years in 1997 to 1999. Excluding persons (543) who died since the baseline, 75% of survivors (n = 2335) attended the follow-up examination. METHODS: All participants underwent a detailed eye examination, including stereo retinal photography. Epiretinal membranes were diagnosed from grading of baseline and 5-year retinal photographs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Epiretinal membranes were classified as either preretinal macular fibrosis (PMF), with retinal folds, or as a less severe form, termed cellophane macular reflex (CMR), without retinal folds. The incidence of epiretinal membranes was determined if either lesion was found in eyes with no preexisting epiretinal membrane at baseline. Progression was defined if the area of involvement increased by more than 25%, regression if it decreased by more than 25%, and stable if it changed by less than 25%. RESULTS: Epiretinal membranes developed in the first eye of 108 of 2030 participants who had no sign of this condition in either eye at baseline, 5.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.4 to 6.4. Five-year cumulative incidence rates for PMF and CMR were 1.5% and 3.8%, respectively. Of those participants with epiretinal membranes in one eye at baseline, 18 of 133 (13.5%) developed this sign in their second eye after 5 years. New epiretinal membranes (mostly CMR) occurred in 15 of 165 subjects (9.1%; CI, 5.2-14.6) who had undergone cataract surgery since the Blue Mountains Eye Study I. This rate was significantly higher than in the nonsurgical group, 92 of 1861 (4.9%; CI, 4.0-6.0) of whom developed epiretinal membranes. Progression from CMR to PMF was observed in 17 of 183 eyes (9.3%). Existing epiretinal membranes progressed, regressed, or remained stable in 28.6%, 25.7%, and 38.8% of eyes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study has documented the 5-year cumulative incidence and the natural history of epiretinal membranes in an older population.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Five-year refractive changes in an older population: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To examine 5-year changes in refractive error and astigmatism in an older population. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 residents aged 49 years or older from 1992 to 1994. After excluding 543 persons who died since baseline, 2335 (75.1%) attended 5-year examinations from 1997 to 1999. METHODS: Both examinations included a detailed eye assessment, with subjective refraction performed according to a modified Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Spherical equivalent (sum of sphere + cylinder) was used as the measure of refractive error. Only phakic eyes with best-corrected visual acuity >20/40 were included (n = 3701). RESULTS: Similar changes in refractive error were observed for the two eyes. Symmetric changes were found in 72% of participants when the difference between eyes was within 0.5 diopters (D) and in 91% when the difference was within 1.0 D. The 5-year change in spherical power was in a hyperopic direction for younger age groups and in a myopic direction for older subjects, P < 0.0001. The gender-adjusted mean change in refractive error in right eyes of persons aged 49 to 54, 55 to 64, 65 to 74, and 75 years or older at baseline was +0.41 D, +0.30 D, +0.05 D, and -0.22D, respectively. Refractive change was strongly related to baseline nuclear cataract severity; grades 4 to 5 were associated with a myopic shift (-0.33 D, P < 0.0001). Education level and age of onset of myopia, but not gender or diabetes, also predicted refractive change. The mean age-adjusted change in refraction was +0.14 D for hyperopic eyes, +0.32 D for emmetropic eyes, and +0.15 D for myopic eyes. The mean change in cylinder power over the 5-year period was small, irrespective of baseline refraction. The axis of astigmatism remained stable in most cases (64%), whereas 12% changed to "against the rule" and 11% to "with the rule." CONCLUSIONS: This report has documented refractive error changes in an older population and confirmed reported trends of a hyperopic shift before age 65 years and a myopic shift thereafter associated with the development of nuclear cataract.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2003

Cataract surgery and the 5-year incidence of late-stage age-related maculopathy: pooled findings from the Beaver Dam and Blue Mountains eye studies.

PURPOSE: To assess whether cataract surgery in older persons increases risk for the development of late-stage age-related maculopathy (ARM). DESIGN: Combined analysis of longitudinal data from two population-based cohorts, the Beaver Dam Eye Study and Blue Mountains Eye Study. PARTICIPANTS: The Beaver Dam Eye Study examined 4926 persons aged 43 years or older at baseline and re-examined 3684 after 5 years. The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 persons aged 49 years or older at baseline and re-examined 2335 after 5 years. METHODS: The two studies used similar protocols for retinal photography and photographic grading. We defined incident late-stage ARM as the development of neovascular ARM or geographic atrophy in eyes without either lesion type at baseline that was confirmed by consensus between the study investigators. Nonphakic eyes included eyes that were aphakic or pseudophakic at baseline. Eye-specific data were analyzed. Age- and study site-adjusted relative risks were calculated using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were also estimated using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: Of the 6019 participants examined after 5 years, 11,391 eyes were considered at risk for developing late-stage ARM, including 315 nonphakic and 11,076 phakic eyes. Late-state ARM (either neovascular ARM or geographic atrophy) developed in 6.0% to 7.5% of nonphakic eyes (10 of 168 right and 11 of 147 left eyes), compared with 0.7% of phakic eyes (40 of 5504 right and 37 of 5572 left eyes) during the 5-year period. Age- and study site-adjusted 5-year relative risks were 2.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-5.1) for right and 3.7 (95% CI, 2.1-6.4) for left eyes. After further adjustment for gender, smoking, and the presence of indistinct or reticular drusen or pigmentary abnormalities at baseline, nonphakic eyes had a substantially higher risk for developing either late-stage ARM lesion compared with phakic eyes, OR = 5.7 (95% CI, 2.4-13.6). CONCLUSIONS: Pooled findings from these two large population-based cohorts support the hypothesis that cataract surgery in older persons may be associated with an increased subsequent risk for developing late-stage ARM, particularly neovascular ARM.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Postoperative Morganella morganii endophthalmitis associated with subclinical urinary tract infection.

We report a case of Morganella morganii acute endophthalmitis following clear corneal phacoemulsification cataract surgery in which a coincident asymptomatic chronic urinary tract infection was detected postoperatively. Morganella morganii is a gram-negative bacillus that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract and is part of the normal fecal flora. It is an opportunistic pathogen usually encountered in postoperative and nosocomial settings, causing urinary tract and wound infections. Chronic urinary tract infection may be a risk factor for postoperative endophthalmitis. A dipstick urinalysis before elective cataract surgery in elderly patients with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections may be considered.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

Prevalence and associations of dry eye syndrome in an older population: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

This report describes the prevalence of self-reported dry eye syndrome and associations with systemic and ocular factors in an older Australian population. Participants of the Extension Blue Mountains Eye Study, aged 50 or older (mean age 60.8 years, n = 1174) completed a comprehensive eye examination and dry eye questionnaire. At least one dry eye symptom was reported by 57.5% of participants, with 16.6% reporting moderate to severe symptoms, more frequent in women (age-adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-2.2). Three or more symptoms were reported by 15.3% of participants, also more frequent in women (age-adjusted OR 1.7, CI 1.2-2.4). No age-related trends or significant ocular associations were observed. After adjusting for age and sex, systemic factors significantly associated with dry eye syndrome included history of arthritis, asthma, gout, use of corticosteroids, antidepressants and hormone replacement therapy. In this older population, dry eye syndrome was common and has associations with female gender and systemic diseases.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2003

Projected prevalence of age-related cataract and cataract surgery in Australia for the years 2001 and 2021: pooled data from two population-based surveys.

This study aimed to estimate the number of Australians over 50 with cataract in the years 2001 and 2021. Data from two population-based studies were pooled: the Blue Mountains Eye Study and Melbourne Visual Impairment Project and Australian Bureau of Statistics population projections were used. Similar definitions for the three cataract types were used in the two studies (nuclear >/= grade 4, posterior sub-capsular >/= 1 mm, cortical >/= 10% lens area or >/= 25% circumference). Combining the three types and prior surgery, it was estimated that in 2001, 1.7 million Australians had clinically significant cataract in either eye and 320,000 had previously undergone cataract surgery. It was estimated that the number of persons with cataract will rise to 2.7 million by 2021 (over 500,000 will have had cataract surgery). The number of Australians with cataract will grow by two-thirds during the next 20 years, reflecting continued population ageing. Health care delivery systems will need to develop methods to handle this increased workload.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Prevalence of undetected ocular conditions in a pilot sample of school children.

Parents of 134 children (age 5-18 years; 84% participation) attending a private school gave informed consent for their child's participation in a pilot study to demonstrate the feasibility and estimate sample size for a larger study of myopia prevalence, the Sydney Myopia Study. LogMAR visual acuity and other ocular assessments, including cycloplegic autorefraction (tropicamide 1%) and examination of the media and fundus, were performed. The prevalence of significant ocular conditions was 28.2%. Eleven children (8.4%) wore glasses. Five were referred for a change in their correction. Previously undetected ocular conditions (19.8%) included one child with ocular pathology and four children with strabismus. Uncorrected refractive error (16.8%) was the most common reason for referral and was more predominant in the senior students (25%), corresponding with an age-related shift in mean spherical equivalent refraction towards myopia (less than 7 years: +0.40 +/- 0.60 D; more than 15 years: -1.15 +/- 1.18 D). Three senior students were classified as having socially significant correctable vision impairment. These findings suggest that reliance on ad hoc referrals could result in delayed referral and that vision screening in both early and later school years may be desirable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Five-year incidence of age-related maculopathy in relation to iris, skin or hair colour, and skin sun sensitivity: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

This study aimed to assess longitudinal associations between iris,hair and skin colour, plus skin sensitivity to sun and the 5-year incidence of age-related maculopathy (ARM). Of 3654 baseline Blue Mountains Eye Study participants (aged 49+ years), 2335 survivors (75.1%) were re-examined after 5 years. Retinal photographs were graded using the Wisconsin ARM Grading System and incident ARM lesions confirmed using side-by-side grading.Iris/skin/hair colour was assessed and skin sensitivity questions were asked at baseline. After adjusting for age, sex and smoking, no significant associations were found between iris or hair colour and incident late or early ARM. Compared to persons with fair skin, those with very fair skin had an increased risk of developing geographical atrophy (odds ratio [OR] 3.5,95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-10.4).However, persons with sun-related skin damage were less likely than those without to develop indistinct soft drusen (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9). Longitudinal data provide no support for the previously reported cross-sectional association between iris colour and ARM.

Eye Color↗