24 Jul Iris Freckles Are A Potential Biomarker for Chronic Sun Damage

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Iris Freckles
Credit: © Africa Studio / Fotolia

Dr.med.univ. Christoph Schwab
Departement of Ophthalmology
Medical University of Graz
Graz, Austria 

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Knowledge about risk factors and/or pathways involved in pathogenesis is from special importance in order of preventing diseases.

The role of sunlight in several eye diseases is unclear. In our study we found a close relation between sun light exposure – evaluated by a full body skin examination and a personal questionnaire – and iris freckles. Therefore we suggest the presence of iris freckles as a novel biomarker indicating high ocular sun exposure.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: The evaluation of iris freckles might help to understand the role of sunlight in pathogenesis of several eye diseases.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Iris freckles are easy to evaluate – therefore I hope that a broad spectrum of diseases will be evaluated. I am really exited about the upcoming results!  

No disclosures

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Citation:

Christoph Schwab, Christoph Mayer, Iris Zalaudek, Regina Riedl, Markus Richtig, Werner Wackernagel, Rainer Hofmann-Wellenhof, Georg Richtig, Gerald Langmann, Lisa Tarmann, Andreas Wedrich, Erika Richtig. Iris Freckles a Potential Biomarker for Chronic Sun Damage. Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science, 2017; 58 (6): BIO174 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-21751

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Last Updated on July 24, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD