Fracture risk increased by 9% in the macular degeneration group.
If visual impairment overlaps, the risk increases to 17%.
Macular degeneration usually occurs from the age of 50 or older, and unlike presbyopia, which is out of focus, symptoms such as decreased central vision or distorted objects appear even after wearing glasses (Photo = Clip Art Korea).
On World Snow Day (the second Thursday of October every year), noteworthy research results were announced. It has been reported that patients with age-related macular degeneration have an increased risk of fractures. Age-related macular degeneration is a disease in which vision decreases due to degeneration of the macular part of the retina during the aging process.am. Besides aging Family history, cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure, and smoking are also contributing factors.It is considered as
According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of macular degeneration patients in Korea has steadily increased over the past five years, and in particular, there has been a significant increase from 2020 (201,376 people) to 2021 (367,463 people). As of 2021, patients in their 60s or older accounted for approximately 88% of patients by age. actually Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in people over 65 years of age.It is considered as but It is often unrecognized because there are no specific symptoms until it has progressed significantly.
Professor Jeon Seung-hee of the Department of Ophthalmology at Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital of the Catholic University of Korea said, “It is only after the disease has progressed that Symptoms of decreased vision, deformity, and central scotoma (symptoms such as not being able to see the face but only the limbs when looking at a person)“This appears,” he said.Letters or straight lines appear curved when reading You can’t see one part of your body and eventually your eyesight deteriorates.“He explained.
The problem is that these symptoms felt late can lead to serious situations such as fractures, as in this research report.
The research team of Professors Ham Don-il, Lim Dong-hee, and Yoon Je-moon of the Department of Ophthalmology at Samsung Seoul Hospital, and Professor Shin Dong-wook of the Department of Family Medicine followed-up 3,894,702 subjects aged 50 or older who underwent the national health examination in 2009 until 2019, and 47,266 were diagnosed with macular degeneration at the time of the first examination. The effect on fractures was measured between people (1.21%) and the control group.
As a result, the macular degeneration group had 20.6 fractures per 1,000 person-years, while the control group had 12.6 fractures. The relative risk of fractures was also 9% higher in the macular degeneration group, and they all showed a high risk of fractures regardless of type, including hip fractures and spinal fractures.
In particular, this trend What becomes more noticeable when visual impairment overlapsIt appeared. In those without visual impairment, the risk of fracture increased by 8%, but in those with visual impairment, it jumped to 17%.
Regarding these results, the research team concluded that macular degeneration Not only are disabilities such as poor eyesight a direct cause of fractures, but it is also easy to fall due to loss of balance due to lack of exercise.It was interpreted as Additionally, macular degeneration is also related to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, making you more susceptible to fractures.An explanation was also added that it was done.
Professor Yoon Je-moon of the Department of Ophthalmology at Samsung Seoul Hospital said, “If macular degeneration is suspected, Fracture prevention also begins together.“We have to do it,” he said. “Above all, Fractures in old age are treated proactively as recovery is slow and can lead to disability.“We have to do it,” he urged caution.
Professor Joo Gwang-sik of the Department of Ophthalmology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital said, “After being diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, Consistently taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals“It’s also a good way to do it,” he advised. In fact, according to a study conducted in the United States, taking a combination of lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper was effective in reducing the progression to late-stage macular degeneration.
Professor Joo Gwang-sik said, “However, Since this effect has not been proven in normal people without age-related macular degeneration, eat foods such as vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and minerals, bluefish and nuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids, rather than medications.“I recommend doing it more,” he said.
Regular checkups are also important. Experts say macular degeneration occurs If you are over 50, get a regular eye exam at least once a year even if you have no special problems.is recommended. At this time For macular degeneration prevention and early diagnosis, a fundus examination is required to check the condition of the retina, optic nerve, and retinal blood vessels.It is good to receive.
Copyright © Health Kyunghyang. Reproduction and redistribution prohibited.
2023-10-12 00:15:00
#careful #agerelated #macular #degeneration #fractures.. #vitamins #minerals
