| Abstract: | Introduction: Arsenic has both macro- and microvascular effects, including ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus, and these conditions are among the most common causes of retinopathy. We conducted a study in the southwestern Taiwan, which is a major endemic region of arsenic intoxication, to assess the prevalence of retinopathy and evaluate its association with arsenic exposure. Methods: The study population includes all the registered members of a 14-year cohort study who were local residents of Putai, Chiayi-a township in the endemic area of arsenic intoxication. All participants were between 40 to 79 years old and had completed the follow-up examination for the study on February 2, 2005. Nonmydriatic fundus photographs of all of the participants were examined. We subdivided the participants into four groups according to diabetes and hypertension status, which enabled us to control the effects of these two major confounders. Results:After adjusting for age, sex, and diabetes, we found the nonhypertension group exhibited a gradient for both retinopathy and hard exudates in relation to cumulative arsenic doses < 12.1, 12.2-23.8, and > 23.9 μg/L-year, with odd ratios 1.00, 1.67, and 2.21 (P = 0.083) and 1.0, 1.65, and 2.15 (P = 0.038), respectively. Discussion and Clusions:We conclude that arsenic exposure might be associated with retinopathy. Screening programs for retinopathy should be implemented in the endmeic areas of arsenic intoxication. |
