Drusen prevalence and pigmentary changes in Caucasians aged 18-54 years

Abstract

Aims and PurposeThe aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of drusen and pigmentary changes in a middle-aged population.MethodsRetinal images from 500 individuals aged 18-54 years were included. The source of participants was two UK optometry practices. Retinal images were graded using the Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading System. However, owing to the relatively young age of the population studied, a new category of drusen of smaller size (31.5 μm) was introduced.ResultsDrusen were identified within the central macular grid in 91.48% of all gradable eyes and in 444 subjects. Drusen sized 31.5 μm were present in 89.7% of eyes, drusen sized >31.5 μm and 63 μm were present in 45.9% of all eyes and drusen >63 μm and 125 μm were present in only 1.7% of eyes. No eye had drusen larger or equal to 125 μm. Very few eyes (1.2%) showed pigmentary changes within the grid. Drusen load increased with increasing age, P 0.001.ConclusionsThe frequency of drusen in a younger Caucasian population aged 18-54 years is high, with 91.48% of all gradable eyes having drusen. The most frequent drusen subtype was hard distinct drusen 31.5 μm. No druse greater or equal in size to 125 μm was seen. Pigmentary changes are rare. © 2012 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.