Effects of aging on fluorescein leakage in the iris and angle in normal subjects

To determine the presence of fluorescein leakage from the iris and angle in normal subjects, and how it is affected by aging.

The subjects were 92 normal volunteers and patients with senile cataract who ranged in age from 20 to 93 years and were free from any systemic or ocular diseases. Fluorescein iris and angle photography and color iris and angle photography were performed using a goniolens and a photo slit lamp.

Radial ciliary body vessels were found in 22 eyes (24%), radial iris vessels or trabecular vessels in 7 eyes (8%), and circular ciliary band vessels were seen in 4 eyes (4%). Goniovessels were found in 8 of 30 eyes (27%) of those under 50 years of age. No significant difference in the incidence of goniovessels was found between those over and under age 50 (P < .01). In the pupillary margin, fluorescein leakage was seen in 1 of 30 eyes (3%) in the age group under 50 years, whereas leakage was found in 30 of 62 eyes (48%) in the age group over 50 years. In the anterior chamber angle, leakage was seen in 4 of 30 eyes (13%) under age 50 years, and in 38 of 62 eyes (61%) over age 50 years (P < .05).

These findings suggested that the incidence of leakage of fluorescein from the pupillary margin and anterior chamber angle tends to increase with age. Thus, when leakage of fluorescein in angle and iris is observed, it is important to consider the physiological changes resulting from aging.