Related Experiment Videos
Geographic dark posterior fundus patches
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 1, 1977
Summary
Geographic dark posterior fundus patches, a newly identified retinal anomaly, predominantly affect Black individuals with hemoglobinopathy. These benign lesions typically occur in young patients and do not impact vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
- Pigment Epithelium Abnormalities
Background:
- A novel anomaly of the retinal pigment epithelium has been identified.
- This condition appears to be relatively common, with nine cases observed over four years.
Observation:
- The lesions, termed geographic dark posterior fundus patches, predominantly occur in Black subjects.
- Most affected individuals were young (6-26 years), though two were 50.
- Hemoglobinopathy was present in all Black patients with these patches.
Findings:
- In three patients, the fundus patches increased in size.
- The patches did not affect visual acuity or visual fields.
- Fluorescein angiography results were normal across all patients.
- Electroretinogram results were subnormal in three patients and normal in one.
Implications:
- This retinal pigment epithelium anomaly is likely not rare, particularly in Black populations with hemoglobinopathy.
- The condition appears asymptomatic and does not cause visual impairment.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and long-term prognosis of these geographic dark posterior fundus patches.