Psoriasis and Its Connection to Increased Risk of Vision-Related Eye Diseases, New Study Shows

Recent research presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2025 highlights a significant association between psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, and a heightened risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss worldwide.

Psoriasis is known for causing scaling skin and inflammation but is also linked with various systemic health issues such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This large-scale study, one of the most comprehensive to date on the topic, investigated the potential connection between psoriasis and AMD by analyzing data from the US TriNetX collaborative network over a period of 15 years.

The study included 22,901 patients aged 55 and older diagnosed with psoriasis. These individuals were compared to three control groups: patients with melanocytic nevi (to represent other dermatological conditions), individuals with major depressive disorder (to control for chronic disease and healthcare utilization), and patients who had undergone eye examinations to ensure equal opportunity for AMD diagnosis. Those with a prior diagnosis of AMD were excluded from the analysis.

In a separate comparison, psoriasis patients treated with biologic therapies were contrasted with those using only topical corticosteroids who had not received biologics during the study period.

Findings revealed that over a decade, individuals with psoriasis had a 56% higher risk of developing AMD compared to those with major depressive disorder and a 21% increased risk compared to the nevus group. Both wet (exudative) and dry (non-exudative) forms of AMD were more prevalent among psoriasis patients, with increased risks of 40% and 13%, respectively.

Dr. Alison Treichel explained that psoriasis, through systemic inflammation and lipid dysregulation, could contribute to retinal lipid deposits, a hallmark of AMD. Notably, psoriasis patients on biologic therapies had a 27% lower risk of AMD compared to those using only topical steroids, suggesting potential protective effects.

The study underscores the importance of regular eye examinations for psoriasis patients and highlights the need for further research. Future studies aim to analyze retinal imaging data to better understand ocular complications and the potential benefits of biologic therapy in preventing AMD progression.

Patients with psoriasis should stay vigilant for vision changes and consult healthcare providers promptly. This research opens new avenues for understanding how systemic inflammation may influence ocular health and whether targeted therapies could mitigate associated risks.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-psoriasis-linked-vision-threatening-eye.html