Recent findings from observational epidemiologic studies have raised concern about a possible adverse effect of regular aspirin use in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and in particular neovascular AMD, which is the leading cause of severe irreversible blindness in the US. In this report, we consider these findings in light of the relative strengths and limitations of observational studies and randomized trials. While the findings are important and warrant further investigation, the inherent limitations of observation studies, most notably uncontrolled confounding, preclude an interpretation of causality. Alternatively, the most reliable evidence with which to evaluate the effects of regular aspirin use in AMD will derive from well-designed randomized trials of sufficient size and duration.
Prognostic Factors and Long-term Surgical Outcomes for Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration with Breakthrough Vitreous Hemorrhage
