The results of a cross-sectional study that found an association between daily aspirin use and AMD have been published in Ophthalmology. 

The authors note that associations between aspirin use and aging macula disorder (AMD; same as age-related macular degeneration) have been addressed previously in various settings, with inconsistent results.  In their study, they used data collected as part of the European Eye Study (ESS) to look at associations between aspirin use and AMD.  The EES involved 7 European centres and was designed to estimate the prevalence of AMD across Europe and investigate possible risk factors, focusing on solar radiation and antioxidant vitamins.  Patients (n=4,691) were recruited between 2000 and 2003 by random sampling of population registers and use of aspirin (including frequency) was determined during interview, alongside a number of other details (including possible confounders for AMD).

The main findings from this analysis reported were as follows:

• Early AMD was present in 36.4% of the participants and late AMD was present in 3.3%.

• Monthly aspirin use was reported by 1,931 (41.2%), at least once weekly by 7%, and daily use by 17.3%.

• An association between daily aspirin use and AMD was seen, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) showing a steady increase with increasing severity of AMD grades: grade 1 - OR 1.26 (95% CI 1.08–1.46; P<0.001); grade 2 - OR 1.42 (1.18–1.70), and wet late AMD - OR 2.22 (1.61–3.05).

The authors advise caution when interpreting their results, due to the study’s limitations.  For example it was a cross-sectional study (so people may have taken aspirin after experiencing visual problems), the amount of aspirin taken per daily dose was not recorded, confounding by indication cannot be completely ruled out, there was a lack of data on non-cardiovascular morbidities for which aspirin may be indicated, and there is a possibility of recall error.  They conclude that the ‘interesting observation’ that frequent aspirin use was associated with early AMD and wet late AMD warrants further evaluation.