Purpose: 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.