The rhesus monkey as an animal model for age-related maculopathy

• Published in: Optometry and vision science Vol. 67; no. 7; pp. 532 - 537
• Main Authors: MONACO, W. A, WORMINGTON, C. M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01.07.1990
• Subjects: Aging; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Chi-Square Distribution; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Macaca mulatta; Macular Degeneration - complications; Macular Degeneration - diagnosis; Male; Medical sciences; Ophthalmology; Prevalence; Retinal Drusen - diagnosis; Retinal Drusen - epidemiology; Retinal Drusen - etiology; Retinitis Pigmentosa - diagnosis; Retinitis Pigmentosa - epidemiology; Retinitis Pigmentosa - etiology; Retinopathies; Animal model; Vertebrata; Eye disease; Mammalia; Retinopathy; Animal; Monkey; Primates; Maculopathy; Age
• ISSN: 1040-5488; 1538-9235
• DOI: 10.1097/00006324-199007000-00011

In a survey of 100 rhesus monkeys, the prevalence of macular changes was similar to that in age-related macular degeneration in humans. Ophthalmoscopically visible drusen were observed in 31% of the monkeys. A statistically significant correlation existed between the age of the animals and the degree of drusen. Considering equivalent ages, monkeys appear to develop drusen earlier than humans. Pigment mottling occurred in 10% and hypopigmented spots in 8% of the sample. A dull foveal reflex was seen in 8% and no reflex in 27%. There was a statistically significant correlation between the absence of a reflex and the presence of pigment mottling or hypopigmentation in the macula.