A longitudinal population-based cohort study found long-term variability in blood pressure may be associated with an increased risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly for diastolic blood pressure. 

Analysis of 14-year data from the Alienor (Antioxydants, lipides essentiels, nutrition et maladies oculaires) study (2006-2020) found 10% of at-risk patients developed advanced AMD while 36% developed intermediate AMD. Study participants whose diastolic blood pressure (the lower number in a BP reading) fluctuated more over time were found to have a significantly higher risk (54% higher) of developing advanced AMD while blood pressure variability didn’t appear to affect the risk for intermediate AMD. Fluctuations in systolic blood pressure (the higher number in a BP reading) and pulse pressure (difference between top and bottom numbers) showed a possible but non statistically significant association, reported researchers.  

“These findings underscore the need for further research to confirm this association, explore the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions that could mitigate this risk,” they concluded.