Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025
Binocular Dynamic Visual Acuity in Eyeglass-Corrected Myopic Patients
Published on: March 29, 2022
The Characteristics of Primary Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome: Comparison of Adolescent, Young and
Peng Zhang1, Huihui Qi2, Jianbin An1
1Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
Purpose:
To observe the characteristics of primary multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) in adolescent patients, young and middle-aged patients and elderly patients.
Methods:
The primary MEWDS patients with at least 3-month follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. We extracted the characteristics of the study population (age, gender, laterality, ametropia, time of onset et al.) and analyzed the multi-model imaging (MMI) features (visible spots or dots, foveal granularity, vascular leakage, area of lesions et al.). These parameters were compared between the adolescent, young and middle-aged and elderly. In addition, the difference in these parameters between complete visual acuity (VA) recovery group and incomplete VA recovery group was evaluated.
Results:
A total of 37 eyes from 37 MEWDS patients were included. In adolescent MEWDS patients, vascular leakage on fluorescein angiography (FA) was more common at presentation (χ2 = 7.636, p = 0.027, φ = 0.454), while in elderly MEWDS patients, hyperautofluorescence on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) was more common at 3-month follow-up (χ2 = 6.410, p = 0.048, φ = 0.435). Neither the initial VA nor the VA outcome was associated with age stage. However, there was a significant difference in VA at presentation (t = -6.26, P <0.001, d = -2.022) between complete VA recovery group and incomplete VA recovery group.
Conclusion:
Primary MEWDS in different age stages was characterized by different MMI features. Although the age stage was not associated with the initial VA and the VA outcome, poor initial VA might be a prediction factor for poor visual prognosis.
Insights
Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS) shows age-related differences in imaging features. While age doesn't predict visual acuity outcomes, poor initial vision may indicate a worse prognosis for MEWDS patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Neuro-ophthalmology
Background:
- Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS) is an idiopathic inflammatory condition affecting the outer retina.
- Understanding age-specific characteristics of MEWDS is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Previous studies have not extensively compared MEWDS presentations across different age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the clinical and multi-modal imaging (MMI) characteristics of primary MEWDS across distinct age groups: adolescents, young/middle-aged adults, and the elderly.
- To identify potential age-related differences in disease presentation and progression.
- To evaluate the association between age, initial visual acuity (VA), and final VA outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 37 eyes from 37 primary MEWDS patients with at least a 3-month follow-up.
- Data collection included patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and MMI features (e.g., fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence).
- Statistical comparisons of MMI features and VA outcomes were performed between adolescent, young/middle-aged, and elderly groups, as well as between complete and incomplete VA recovery groups.
Main Results:
- Adolescent MEWDS patients showed a higher prevalence of vascular leakage on fluorescein angiography (FA) compared to other age groups.
- Elderly MEWDS patients exhibited more hyperautofluorescence on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) at 3-month follow-up.
- Neither initial VA nor final VA outcome was significantly associated with the patient's age group, but poor initial VA was linked to incomplete recovery.
Conclusions:
- Primary MEWDS presents with distinct multi-modal imaging features depending on the patient's age group.
- Age is not a determining factor for initial or final visual acuity in MEWDS.
- Poor initial visual acuity may serve as a predictive indicator for a less favorable visual prognosis in MEWDS.
