Association between C-Reactive Protein and Age- Related Macular Degeneration

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly, with systemic inflammation, as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, implicated in its pathogenesis. This study examines the association between serum CRP levels and stages of ARMD, and related risk factors. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months at the Ophthalmology Department, Government Medical College, Kota. A total of 140 participants aged 40 years or older were included, with 70 ARMD cases and 70 controls. Detailed ocular and systemic evaluations were performed, including fundus examination and OCT. Serum CRP levels were measured using a latex-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay. Statistical analysis, including t-tests and ANOVA, was conducted using SPSS, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: ARMD patients had significantly higher CRP levels (0.378 ± 0.26 mg/dL) compared to controls (0.19 ± 0.08 mg/dL, p < 0.05). CRP levels increased with ARMD severity: 0.15 ± 0.06 mg/dL in early, 0.50 ± 0.09 mg/dL in intermediate, and 0.84 ± 0.02 mg/dL in advanced stages (p < 0.05). Risk factors including age, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with higher CRP levels and advanced ARMD stages. Older age (>71 years) and cardiovascular disease were particularly linked to advanced ARMD. Conclusion: Elevated serum CRP levels are strongly associated with ARMD severity, emphasizing systemic inflammation’s role in its progression. Monitoring CRP may aid in ARMD prevention and treatment.