Endothelial function, intima-media thickness, and ankle-brachial index in patients with cataract and age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE. To evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk factors, including endothelial dysfunction, increased intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid arteries, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataract. METHODS. Forty-seven patients with AMD and cataract, 35 with cataract only, and 49 with AMD were included. Carotid ultrasound, ischemia-induced brachial artery reactivity test, and ABI in conjunction with investigation of conventional cardiovascular risk factors were performed. RESULTS. Increased levels ( more than 1.23 mg/L) of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and IMT ( more than 0.97 mm) increased prevalence odds for AMD and cataract 3.1 and 3.9 times, respectively. CONCLUSIONS. Elevated hsCRP or increased IMT of the carotid arteries are associated with comorbid cataract and AMD, whereas there were no reliable differences between groups in respect to endothelial function and ABI.