Decreasing stromal iris pigmentation as a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration

Am J Ophthalmol. 1994 Jan 15;117(1):19-23. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)73010-7.

Abstract

To evaluate iris color, change of iris color, and iris pigment epithelial defects as risk factors in age-related macular degeneration, we compared 101 patients with age-related macular changes with 102 control subjects in a case-control study. Three of 101 patients (3%) and four of 102 control subjects (4%) had epithelial iris defects. Light iris color during youth was reported by 51 of 101 patients (50.5%) and 42 of 102 control subjects (41.2%) (odds ratio, 1.46; P = .184). Of the 101 patients, 26 (25.7%) noticed their iris color to have become lighter during life compared with six of 102 control subjects (5.9%) (odds ratio, 5.5; P = .0001). At present examination, 63 of 101 patients (62.4%) had light irides compared with 43 of 102 control subjects (42.2%) (odds ratio, 2.27; P = .004). These results suggest that initial light iris color and iris pigment epithelial defects are not associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, whereas decreased stromal iris pigmentation may indicate a higher risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Eye Color*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iris Diseases / complications*
  • Iris Diseases / pathology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Macular Degeneration / etiology*
  • Macular Degeneration / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / pathology*
  • Risk Factors