Objective: The apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 allele is a well-established factor associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This disorder is characterized by a typical progressive central visual impairment. Our aim was to study further the relationship of the APOE genotype associated with AMD.
Materials and methods: We evaluated a group of 95 patients with AMD and 65 controls. The APOE genotype for each participant in the study was determined.
Results: The allele was associated with age-related macular degeneration (OR = 5.6; 95% CI = 3.4-8.8 ; p < 0.001). Female patients with at least one epsilon4 allele had a significantly earlier age at diagnosis (epsilon4+ = 72.2 S.D. 5.1; epsilon4- = 78.8 +/- 5.7; p < 0.001).
Conclusions: The APOE epsilon4 allele is not a protective factor for AMD, but is associated with an increased risk of its development.