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The progression of lacquer cracks in pathologic myopia
1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.
Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Lacquer cracks in highly myopic eyes often progress to advanced fundus changes, including atrophy and choroidal neovascularization. These findings suggest an unfavorable prognosis, potentially leading to macular pathology.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Myopia Research
Background:
- Lacquer cracks are observed in 4.3% of highly myopic eyes.
- They signify healed breaks in the retinal pigment epithelium, Bruch's membrane, and choriocapillaris.
- Understanding their progression is crucial for managing pathologic myopia.
Observation:
- A prospective study followed 66 eyes with lacquer cracks for an average of 72.8 months.
- Ocular examinations and fluorescein angiography were performed regularly.
- The study tracked transitional changes associated with lacquer cracks.
Findings:
- Lacquer crack progression occurred in 56.1% of the studied eyes.
- These cracks evolved into patchy atrophy, diffuse atrophy, or choroidal neovascularization (Fuchs' spot).
- Fluorescein angiography revealed early patchy atrophy at the lacquer crack periphery.
Implications:
- Lacquer cracks indicate a high risk of developing advanced myopic fundus changes.
- Even subtle lacquer cracks may predict a poor prognosis and macular pathology.
- This highlights the need for vigilant monitoring in patients with pathologic myopia.