Cases of peripheral yellow corneal rings of AMD revealed

Peripheral yellow corneal rings are more common in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients than previously thought, states a study in the journal Ophthalmology.

Dr Andrew W. Eller et al., Retina Service, UPMC Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, conducted a retrospective single-centre case series on the medical records of four AMD patients with peripheral corneal rings receiving vitamin supplementation. The main outcome measures were the presence of peripheral yellow corneal rings, skin findings and serum carotene levels.

The results revealed that each patient had circumferential, yellow, peripheral corneal rings and demonstrated subtle yellowing of the skin- especially on the palms. In two patients serum carotene levels were normal, but in one patient the levels were significantly higher.

However, it is still uncertain how ophthalmologists should counsel patients with this condition. The rings may be misdiagnosed as arcus senilis or they may be too subtle to identify. Dr Eller suggests that a formal study on patients taking vitamin supplements of AMD should be completed.