Article

Article

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a well-characterized and extensively studied disease. It is currently considered the leading cause of visual disability among patients over 60 years. The hallmark of early AMD is the formation of drusen, pigmentary changes at the macula, and mild to moderate vision loss. There are two forms of AMD: the “dry” and the “wet” form that is less frequent but is responsible for 90% of acute blindness due to AMD. Risk factors have been associated with AMD progression, and they are taking relevance to understand how AMD develops: (1) advanced age and the exposition to environmental factors inducing high levels of oxidative stress damaging the macula and (2) this damage, which causes inflammation inducing a vicious cycle, altogether causing central vision loss. There is neither a cure nor treatment to prevent AMD. However, there are some treatments available for the wet form of AMD. This article will review some molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with the onset of AMD focusing on feasible treatments for each related factor in the development of this pathology such as vascular endothelial growth factor, oxidative stress, failure of the clearance of proteins and organelles, and glial cell dysfunction in AMD.

A substantial number of epidemiological studies have investigated the possible associations between sunlight exposure and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), but the results from studies are inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between sunlight exposure and the risk of AMD. Relevant studies were searched using databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science database. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality. The random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled covariates-adjusted odds ratio (OR). Subgroup analyses based on study design, stage of AMD, method of exposure assessment, and study latitude were carried out. The heterogeneity across the studies was tested, as was publication bias. Fourteen eligible studies including 43,934 individuals based on the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The pooled OR for sunlight exposure and AMD was 1.10 (95% CI = 0.98–1.23). In addition, similar insignificant results were observed in further subgroup analyses based on stage of AMD, method of exposure assessment, and study latitude. Sun-avoidance behavior did not decrease the risk of AMD (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.76–1.67). Moderate heterogeneity was observed in most of analyses. The results indicate that sunlight exposure may not be associated with increased risk of AMD based on current published data.