Age-related macular degeneration in Inuit

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a specific Greenlandic type af age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - the Retinochoroidal Atrophy (RCA). Methods: 135 referred patients in East Greenland were examined in 1997. A colour and a redfree fundus photograph of an 87-year-old Greenlandic woman illustrates the clinical picture of RCA (retinochoriodal atrophy). Results: Of 135 examined patients 22 had AMD. 23 eyes in 12 patients had RCA, which was the most common type af AMD in this Greenlandic investigation. The clinical picture of RCA is peripapillary and central retinochoroidal atrophy and sclerosis resembling a recumbent Russian matushka doll. The mean age of the 12 patients with RCA was 74.4 ± 8.7 years. They were all severely visually handicapped with a visual acuity ≤ 6/60. Conclusion: A specific type of Greenlandic AMD called RCA is described. No epidemiological conclusions can be drawn from this investigation.