New Study Offers Nuanced View on Aspirin Use and AMD Risk
A new study offers a nuanced view on aspirin use and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While low-dose aspirin may slightly reduce the risk of developing AMD, regular use could potentially increase the risk of the wet form, which causes rapid vision loss. However, the benefits of aspirin in preventing heart attacks and strokes remain significant.
AMD, a leading cause of blindness in people over 50, affects about 1.8 million people in the UK. It has two main forms: dry AMD, which progresses slowly and affects central vision over time, and wet AMD, which is less common but can cause rapid vision loss. Aspirin, a common pain reliever and blood thinner, has been linked to AMD in some studies.
A large-scale study suggested that low-dose aspirin use may slightly reduce the risk of getting AMD. However, regular aspirin use may slightly increase the risk of wet AMD. Interestingly, a study found no significant association between aspirin use and progression to late AMD. Another study found regular aspirin users were twice as likely to have wet AMD, but this difference was reduced when accounting for cardiovascular disease.
Many people take aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke, or to control pain. Regular aspirin users had a 32% lower rate of strokes and were 15% less likely to have a heart attack than non-users. Despite some studies suggesting an association between aspirin use and AMD, no definitive causal relationship has been established.
In conclusion, while low-dose aspirin may slightly reduce the risk of developing AMD, regular use could potentially increase the risk of the wet form. However, the benefits of aspirin in preventing heart attacks and strokes remain significant. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider about aspirin use, especially for those at risk of AMD or with a history of cardiovascular disease. Regular eye checks are also recommended for frequent aspirin users.
