The controversy over the association between statins use and progression of age-related macular degeneration: a mini review

Vasileios Peponis¹, Spyridon E Chalkiadakis¹, Stefanos Bonovas^2,3, Nikolaos M Sitaras<sup>2

1</sup>Athens Eye Hospital, 2nd Eye Clinic, Athens, Greece; ²Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Greece; ³Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece

Objective: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in ¬western societies. Statins comprise a class of pharmacological agents that reduce plasma cholesterol levels, and have been shown to prevent progression of atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular mortality. The relationship between these medications and AMD has been evaluated in several recent studies. Herein, we examine the current evidence for an association between statin use and risk of AMD.
Methods: Literature database search (Medline, Scopus, and Science Citation Index Expanded) for articles published up to March 2010, using particular search terms.
Results: From the current evidence available, it is not safe to conclude upon the assumption of a protective effect of statins against age-related maculopathy and AMD.
Conclusion: There is a need for large scale prospective studies with a long follow-up period and accurate assessment of AMD to further explore this matter.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration (AMD), blindness, statin use, controversy