Eye office myths are common, and a wide variety exists—from the feeling of receiving too many tests to thinking that all catar…
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when the central part of the retina (like the film in a camera) is damaged. It can worsen in severity over time, with symptoms not always noticeable at first. For adults over 50 years old, AMD is the leading cause of vision loss. Globally, 200 million or 10% of people experience it. This number is estimated to increase to 300 million by 2040. The good news is that the sooner AMD is treated, the less likely it is to progress.
One potential protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is statin therapy. Statin therapy refers to taking anti-inflammatory medications that can lower cholesterol. The cholesterol targeted is in the vessels that transport blood from your heart. Some studies have suggested that AMD and heart diseases have common risk factors. Such risk factors include smoking and high cholesterol. So, a cholesterol-lowering treatment might reduce your risk of heart disease and AMD.
Ashford, Roger. "Don't be afraid of statins." Harvard Health Publishing.
Statins vary in intensity depending on the type and dosage. Examples of common statins include Crestor, Lipitor, and Zocor. In one study, high-intensity statin use included either 20–40 mg of Crestor or 40–80 mg of Lipitor. Medium-intensity statin use referred to options such as 5 or 10 mg of Crestor, 10 or 20 mg of Lipitor, and 20 or 40 mg of Zocor. Finally, low-intensity statin use referred to options such as 5 or 10 mg of Zocor.
The researchers measured how different statin intensities affect age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In particular, the researchers looked at health records from 2014 to 2024 and gathered data from over 20,000 adults at least 40 years old. Each adult in the study had type 2 diabetes and had been using statins for at least five years. This differs from the one-to-three years of statin use analyzed in prior studies.
The researchers found that high- and medium-intensity statin users had a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) both three and five years later. They also found that each type of statin intensity—including high, medium, and low—was associated with a reduced risk of death from any cause. These results suggest that the intensity of statin use—rather than the use of statin therapy in general—may be a better indicator of your risk of developing AMD.
High-intensity statins involve a small risk of muscle and kidney injury. You should consult your ophthalmologist to identify the AMD treatment best for you.
At Mittleman Eye, our team offers top-notch eye care for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We offer both regular eye exams and personal consultations to discuss AMD prevention and treatment.
With regular eye exams, our team here at Mittleman Eye can detect eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) early. Early detection can allow you to begin treatment sooner and preserve your vision.
In both the Mittleman Eye Jupiter and West Palm Beach offices, we offer personalized care every step of the way. Interested in scheduling an appointment at either one of our office locations? Text or call us at 561-500-2020, or go online to mittlemaneye.com/appointment-request.
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