Prevalence of insomnia and depression in patients with age-related macular degeneration

Background
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affecting the organ of vision, impairs central vision, disturbs daily activity, independence and self-sufficiency. The study objective was (1) to define the prevalence of sleep disorders and depressive symptoms in patients with AMD, (2) to assess the relationship of depressive symptoms and insomnia with chosen demographic data, (3) to assess a potential correlation of the exacerbating vision quality with depressive symptoms and sleep disorders.

Material and methods
The study involved 105 patients, women and men aged 45-88, who presented themselves at the Ophthalmic Outpatient Clinic for routine examination of the eyes. Patients were asked to complete an original questionnaire subjected to validation, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Athens’s Insomnia Scale.

Results
The results were analysed statistically, showing that 71% of the respondents had insomnia and 70% suffered from depression (15% mild, 39% moderately severe and 39% severe). The patients’ age, time from the diagnosis, marital and occupational status were not found to be related to depression or sleep disorders. Contrary to that, type of education, financial status and family support were significantly correlated with the prevalence of depression and sleep disorders. No correlation was observed between the exacerbation of vision disorders and enhanced depressive symptoms and insomnia. However, such correlation was noted with subjective stress reactions.

Conclusions
Since patients with AMD are at a higher risk of sleep disorders and depression, they should remain under the professional care of a multidisciplinary team, including an ophthalmologist, a family doctor, a psychiatrist and a psychologist.