[Vitelline macular degeneration and Best's macular degeneration are the same disease (author's transl)]

In 1905 F. Best had discovered infantile macular degeneration with dominant transmission, later named after him. From Best's pedigree 19 members could be examined by us. Besides the usual examination-methods, EOG, ERG, Fluorescein-Angiography and Chromato-Ophthalmoscopy were applied. In this way the characteristic findings of vitelline macular degeneration could be demonstrated. 7 family-members were typically affected according to their ages. 2 of them were found to be carriers with normal macula; they had however a pathological EOG. The question, if the diagnosis of Best's macular degeneration should be used further in the system of the hereditary macular degenerations or whether it is indeed the same disease as vitelline macular degeneration, is discussed. Best's macular degeneration and vitelline macular degeneration are synonymous. We recommend, that the term vitelline macular degeneration ought to be used intead of Best's macular degeneration. It remains F. Best's merit, that this disease has been recognised and des