Introduction:
Early age–related macular degeneration, drusen, and lipid metabolism in whites and blacks have been discussed in the literature. However, there is no data on visual acuity, drusen and lipid metabolism in Asian Americans, a growing subpopulation in the large metropolitan areas in the United States.
Purpose:
To ascertain if there is any relationship between serum lipids, drusen, and good visual acuity in Asian Americans.
Methods:
We examined Asian American (A) and Caucasian (C) patients in a California retina practice with good visual acuity (20/20–20/70), and drusen as determined by slit lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundus exam, digital fundus photography (OIS, Winstation–XP 3200, v.10.2.44), and standard grid for ARM classification. Measurement of drusen size was obtained using the OIS software. Age range of 50–90 years and serum lipids (mg/dl): total cholesterol (CH), High density lipoprotein (HDL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides (TG). Exclusion criteria: diabetes, macular laser, history of macular disease.
Results:
27 patients: 18 F: 9M. 13 Asians, 14 Caucasians. 51 eyes. Age range 50–86 years, avg=69.16 +11.17. In the 27 patients:
Conclusions:
Asian Americans with drusen have higher serum lipids, but smaller drusen size than their Caucasian counterparts. This small study suggests that the lipid risk factors for early AMD with good visual acuity for Asians may be different from the Caucasian population. In the future, more research will provide a greater understanding of lipid metabolism and early AMD.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • drusen • lipids