Is age-related macular degeneration associated with pinguecula or scleral plaque formation?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether ocular changes indicating an increased exposure to UV irradiation are associated with the development of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).


METHODS
Using histology, we have investigated a possible association of ocular changes that might be attributed to actinic damage, namely pinguecula and scleral plaque, with findings of both atrophic and disciform ARMD. A total of 74 eyes, could be used for evaluation.


RESULTS
Features of ARMD were present in 36 eyes (11 with disciform degeneration and 25 with an atrophic form). A pinguecula was identified in 36 eyes (small in 22 eyes, large in 14 eyes), and a scleral plaque was seen in 5 eyes. While scleral plaque showed an association with ARMD, there was no significant association between pinguecula and ARMD.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the concept of solar radiation having an effect on the development of ARMD but also indicate that it is a multifactorial disease.
Loeffler
K U
KU
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Sastry
S M
SM
McLean
I W
IW
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D005123:Eye / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications; D015422:Scleral Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays