Influence of optical radiations on development of age related macular degeneration (AMD)

It is known that millions of people have impaired vision because of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Our goal was to study possible association of ultraviolet radiation with the development of AMD. Clinical examination was carried out on small island of Rab in Croatia with a high UV-index in the summer, ranging from 9 to 11 around noon. Subjects were classified in two groups, the first consisting of farmers and fishermen and the second of urban population. Fundus analysis showed AMD in 16% of people from the first group and only in 2% of people in the second group. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome was found in 10% of subjects from the first group and only in 1% of subjects from the second group. In the first group, temporary AMD was observed in young people, aged between 40 and 45 years. (author)