• Dr. Md. Fazlur Rahman

Background: Age related eye diseases (AREDs) are a major cause of visual impairment in older adults. These conditions often co-occur with systemic comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and arthritis complicating diagnosis and management. Understanding the overlap between ocular and systemic conditions is vital for effective care delivery. Objective: To determine the prevalence of AREDs among elderly individuals in Bangladesh and to examine their association with common geriatric comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and arthritis. Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted among 400 participants aged >_ 60 years in selected urban and rural healthcare facilities in Bangladesh. Data were obtained through structured interviews, comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, and medical record reviews. Statistical analyses assessed the relationships between AREDs and systemic comorbidities. Results: Cataract was the most common ARED (52%), followed by diabetic retinopathy (18%), glaucoma (14%) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (12%). Whereas hypertension (64%), diabetes (48%), cardiovascular diseases (21%), obesity (14%) and osteoarthritis about (7%) were the leading causes of comorbidities. Significant associations were observed between diabetic retinopathy and diabetes (p < 0.001) and between AMD and hypertension (p =0.03). Conclusion: AREDs are highly prevalent among the elderly in Bangladesh and frequently coexist with systemic diseases. An integrated geriatric and ophthalmologic care model is essential to improve visual and overall health outcomes in this population.

Prevalence, geriatric comorbidities, degeneration, incidence, metamorphopsia, scotoma, stereopsis, BADL, chronobiology, gonioscopy, MIGS, blue-turquoise light, antioxidants, ROIs, leptin, MSNA, baro-reflex, metabolic syndrome, melatonin, pineal gland, ipRGCs, pulvinar, enucleation, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea

"The Prevalence of Age-Related Eye Diseases and Geriatric Comorbidities", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no.a77-a90, October-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510010.pdf

"The Prevalence of Age-Related Eye Diseases and Geriatric Comorbidities", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no. ppa77-a90, October-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510010.pdf