The association between asthma and the risk of macular degeneration: findings from the English longitudinal study of ageing

In recent years, researchers have paid increasing attention on potential associations between respiratory and ocular diseases. To examine whether asthma is independently associated with macular degeneration (MD) and whether asthma can serve as a predictor of MD using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Data from the 2020-2021 wave of ELSA were analyzed. Statistical tests were performed on participants baseline characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression, stratified analysis, ROC curve analysis, smoothing curves and sensitivity analysis were conducted to assess the association, stability, predictive performance, dose-response relationship and robustness. A total of 6,703 participants were included. After adjusting for covariates, age and asthma were significantly associated with MD (p < 0.05), while diet and sex were not. Asthma was consistently linked to increased MD risk across three regression models (OR > 1, p < 0.05), with the association persisting in stratified analyses. ROC analysis showed moderate predictive performance (AUC = 0.757), and a positive dose-response relationship was observed. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the association. Asthma may independently increase MD risk, providing novel insights into their relationship and implications for clinical risk stratification and preventive strategies.