EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF SMOKING ON THE PREVALENCE OF AGERELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A STUDY IN THE KASHMIRI POPULATION

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults globally. Smoking has been identified as a significant modifiable risk factor contributing to the onset and progression of AMD. However, limited region-specific studies have explored this association in populations with unique genetic and environmental characteristics, such as the Kashmiri population. Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the impact of smoking on the prevalence and severity of AMD among the Kashmiri population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving individuals aged 50 years and above residing in the Kashmir region. Participants were categorized into smokers and nonsmokers based on their smoking history. Clinical diagnosis of AMD was performed through comprehensive eye examinations, fundus photography, and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), with AMD graded according to the AREDS classification. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between smoking and AMD prevalence. Results: The findings revealed a significantly higher prevalence of AMD among smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.05). A dose-response relationship was observed, with increased pack-years of smoking correlating with greater AMD severity. Subgroup analysis indicated a higher prevalence of AMD in male smokers. Conclusion: Smoking significantly increases the risk and severity of AMD in the Kashmiri population. These findings highlight the need for targeted smoking cessation programs and awareness campaigns to mitigate AMD-related vision loss in this region.