Comprehensive review of angioid streaks

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Angioid streaks are irregular breaks in Bruch's membrane, appearing as linear, radiating pigmented lines from the optic disc.
• Associated with systemic conditions (e.g., pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Paget's disease, hemoglobinopathies) in up to 50% of cases; can be idiopathic.
• Asymptomatic initially, but complications like choroidal neovascularization and foveal hemorrhage can cause vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of angioid streaks.
• To cover epidemiology, associated systemic diseases, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on angioid streaks.
• Discussion of diagnostic modalities including fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography.
• Overview of current treatment approaches, focusing on intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular complications.

Main Results:

• Angioid streaks are a significant finding with potential for severe visual impairment.
• Diagnosis relies on clinical examination and advanced imaging techniques.
• Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are the mainstay for managing choroidal neovascularization.

Conclusions:

• Angioid streaks necessitate a multidisciplinary approach, considering both ocular and systemic health.
• Timely diagnosis and management of complications are vital for visual prognosis.
• Further research into underlying mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies is warranted.