研究目的
To evaluate the association between sunlight exposure and the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by performing a meta-analysis of all relevant studies.
研究成果
The meta-analysis indicates that sunlight exposure is not associated with an increased risk of AMD based on current published data, as shown by a pooled OR of 1.10 (95% CI = 0.98–1.23) and insignificant results in subgroup analyses. Future studies should address the limitations, such as improving exposure assessment methods and including more diverse populations.
研究不足
The limitations include potential language bias due to restriction to English studies, information bias from the long latency period of AMD, variability in AMD diagnosis criteria across studies, and confounding effects from different methods of sunlight exposure assessment.
1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:
A meta-analysis was conducted following the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology guidelines. The random-effects model was used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed based on study design, stage of AMD, method of exposure assessment, and study latitude. Heterogeneity was assessed using χ2-based Q-tests and I2 statistics, and publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s funnel plots and Egger’s test.
2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:
Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases up to 31 December 2017 using keywords related to sunlight and AMD. Manual searches of references were also conducted. Inclusion criteria required studies on the association between AMD and sunlight exposure with calculable effect estimates, while exclusion criteria removed duplicates, non-English studies, reviews, case reports, and low-quality studies based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).
3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:
No specific experimental equipment or materials were used, as this is a meta-analysis relying on published data. Software used included STATA version 11.0 for statistical analysis.
4：0 for statistical analysis.
Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:
4. Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow: Literature search and screening were performed by two independent investigators. Data extraction included study characteristics, effect estimates, and confounding variables. Statistical analyses involved calculating pooled ORs, testing for heterogeneity and publication bias, and conducting subgroup analyses.
5：Data Analysis Methods:
Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA software. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 and Q-tests, and publication bias was checked with funnel plots and Egger’s test. A significance level of 0.05 was used.
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