Night exposure of artificial light may increase age-related macular degeneration risk

Written By : Jacinthlyn Sylvia |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2024-02-06T23:30:18+05:30 | Updated On 7 Feb 2024 12:53 PM IST

In a recent nationwide study highlighted the link between exposure to outdoor artificial light at night (OALAN) and the risk of developing exudative age-related macular degeneration (EAMD). The findings of this study published in the JAMA Network Open underline the previously underestimated health impacts of light pollution.

This comprehensive investigation analyzed data from individuals aged 50 or older with newly diagnosed EAMD from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011. The study utilized the Korean National Health Insurance Service registration program database for rare and intractable diseases. After matching for birth year and sex, the controls were selected at a 1:30 ratio. The data acquired from May 1 to December 31, 2021 was analyzed from June 1 to November 30, 2022 and presented a robust base for this study.

The study encompassed a total of 126,418 participants and revealed a significant association between increased levels of residential OALAN and an increased risk of incident EAMD. A substantial finding was an HR of 1.67 (95% CI, 1.56-1.78) for incident EAMD with an interquartile range (IQR) increase in the OALAN level (55.8 nW/cm²/sr).

The exposure-response curve displayed a nonlinear, concave upward slope, particularly pronounced at higher levels of light exposure, approximately 110 nW/cm²/sr. In a subgroup analysis, the impact was more significant in urban areas (HR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.33-1.61]) when compared to rural areas (HR, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.84-1.22]).

These findings highlight the need to recognize the role of light pollution on human health and its potential contribution to EAMD. Due to urbanization and increased artificial lighting the light pollution is on the rise globally and so, this research signals the requirement of more detailed studies.

Source:

Kim, S. H., Kim, Y. K., Shin, Y. I., Kang, G., Kim, S. P., Lee, H., Hong, I. H., Chang, I. B., Hong, S.-B., Yoon, H.-J., & Ha, A. (2024). Nighttime outdoor artificial light and risk of age-related macular degeneration. JAMA Network Open, 7(1), e2351650. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.51650

JAMA Network Openage-related macular degenerationartificial light at night

Source : JAMA Network Open

Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Neuroscience Masters graduate

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751