New research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found about 25 percent of eyes considered normal based on dilated eye exams by a primary eye care ophthalmologist or optometrist had macular characteristics that indicated age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Investigators reportedly analyzed 1,288 eyes from 644 participants 60 years or older with normal macular health per medical record based on their most recent dilated comprehensive eye examination by a primary eye care ophthalmologist or optometrist. While a total of 969 eyes — 75 percent — had no AMD and were in agreement with their medical record, 320 eyes — 25 percent — had AMD despite no diagnosis of AMD in their medical records.
Researchers found undiagnosed AMD was associated with older patient age, male sex and less than a high school education. Prevalence of undiagnosed AMD was not different for ophthalmologists and optometrists.
The study was recently published in JAMA Ophthalmology.
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Source: JAMA Ophthalmology