The influence of iris color and retina pigment epithelium melanin on allergic rhinitis

Objective: The purpose of this case control study is to establish the influence of iris color and retina pigment epithelium melanin on allergic rhinitis. Methods: Ninety-nine subjects diagnosed prospectively as allergic rhinitis and 85 control subjects were included in the study. Color of iris was recorded after ophthalmic examination. Electro-oculographic measurement was done after pupil dilatation and Arden ratios were recorded. Results: Mean age was 29.44 +/- 9.8 years in subject with allergic rhinitis and 32.67 +/- 12.9 years in control subjects (p>0.05). Measured mean Arden ratio was 158.22 +/- 29.4 in subjects with allergic rhinitis and 179.34 +/- 29.3 in normal subjects (p<0.05). In control group, Arden ratio was significantly higher in eyes with brown iris (p<0.05). In subjects with allergic rhinitis, Arden ratio was significantly lower in brown eyes (p<0.05). Conclusion: An association between allergic rhinitis and melanin content of iris and retina pigment epithelium was found. It can be speculated that pigment-producing system may play a role in the pathogenesis of the allergic rhinitis.