Mental Health Consequences of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Exploring Depression Prevalence and Severity in Wet and Dry Forms.

Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, affecting quality of life. Although AMD is associated with an increased risk of depression, differences between dry and wet forms are not well understood. This study examined depressive symptoms in Greek patients with dry and wet AMD compared to healthy-controls using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).

Methods: A cross-sectional study included 146 AMD patients (74 dry, 72 wet) and 60 controls. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Zung SDS. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Statistical analyses compared depression severity and prevalence between groups, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: Wet AMD patients had significantly higher Zung SDS scores (50.4 ± 7.81) than dry AMD (44.8 ± 6.75) and controls (41.4 ± 7.85, p < .001). Depression prevalence was 56% in wet, 27% in dry AMD, and 20% in controls. After adjusting for visual acuity, age, sex, and other factors, wet AMD remained significantly associated with greater depression severity (p < .001).

Conclusions: Wet AMD is associated with higher depression severity compared to dry AMD, emphasizing the need for integrated ophthalmologic and mental health care.

Clinical implications: Depression is common among AMD patients, particularly those with wet AMD. Screening and psychological support should be incorporated into AMD management.