People with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who are taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin, warfarin, and clopidogrel run a significant risk of retinal hemorrhage.
A study presented at the Retina Congress 2009 reviewed the records of 195 eyes in 195 patients, average age 83, of whom 96 were taking antiplatelets and anticoagulants on a daily basis.
Of the patients taking antiplatelets or anticoagulants, 63% developed retinal hemorrhage compared with 29% who were not taking these drugs. It is estimated that 7.6 patients out of 100 would develop retinal hemorrhage each year when taking these drugs. The risk of retinal hemorrhage was highest among patients who were using multiple drugs.
Since taking the patient off the blood-thinning agent is not an option, study authors suggest that ophthalmologists follow these patients closely. It is recommended that information about a patient’s use of antiplatelets and anticoagulants should be noted prominently on the patients’ charts.
The 2009 Retina Congress is a combined meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists, the Macula Society, and the Retina Society.
Source: “The Association of Antiplatelets and Anticoagulants With Intraocular Hemorrhage in Patients With Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration,” http://www.asrs.org/