Kidney Health Australia today said a major Australian study
just published has identified for the first time a significant
relationship between early age- related macular degeneration of the
eye and early Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
The findings could see future best practice protocols for
people with CKD will include monitoring of the eye for evidence of
macular degeneration
Kidney Health Australia Medical Director Tim Mathew said, "Age
related macular degeneration is the commonest cause of irreversible
blindness in Australia and whilst known to co-exist with chronic
kidney disease (CKD) has not previously been recognized to be
increased in frequency in these patients.
Image right: Dr Tim Mathew Medical Director Kidney Health
Australia
"The Blue Mountains Eye Study studied 1184 people aged over 54
yrs and assessed eye function sequentially through a five year study
period."
Dr Mathew said, "The results showed a surprising threefold
increase in the onset of macular degeneration during the five year
period in those with early CKD compared to those with no CKD.
"This association increased with increasing age and suggests that
the 2 conditions share similar causative mechanisms.
"Early age-related macular degeneration thus joins the list of
conditions known to occur. Significantly more frequently in people
with CKD.
"These include anemia, high blood pressure, heart failure,
atherosclerotic vascular disease and bone disease."
Fast Facts
1 in 3 adults are at increased risk of developing CKD
1 in 7 adults have at least one clinical sign of existing CKD
Approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by
early-stage kidney disease and don't know it
Media Enquiries:
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director KHA
Mobile: 0416 149 863
Ron Smith Media Communications Kidney
Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201
