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Disciform degeneration of the macula. II. Pathogenesis
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|May 1, 1976
Summary
Drusen, small yellow deposits under the retina, may precede the development of disciform macular degeneration in the fellow eye. This finding suggests drusen are precursors to this vision-threatening condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Macular Degeneration
Background:
- Disciform macular degeneration affects one eye initially.
- The progression to the fellow eye is a significant concern for patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of drusen in the fellow eye of patients with unilateral disciform macular degeneration.
- To determine if drusen presence predicts the development of disciform lesions in the contralateral eye.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up study of 84 patients with unilateral disciform macular degeneration.
- Comparison of drusen presence in fellow eyes versus a control group.
- Analysis of drusen load in fellow eyes that developed lesions versus those that did not.
Main Results:
- 13 out of 36 followed patients developed disciform lesions in the fellow eye.
- Fellow eyes of patients with unilateral disciform macular degeneration had significantly more drusen than controls (P < .001).
- Eyes that developed disciform lesions had a significantly higher number of drusen.
Conclusions:
- Drusen are likely precursors to disciform macular degeneration in the fellow eye.
- The presence of drusen may indicate an ongoing exudative process affecting both eyes.