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White dot fovea
K Yokotsuka1, S Kishi, K Shimizu
1Department of Ophthalmology, Gunma University School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
A new clinical entity, white dot fovea, presents as numerous white dots in the fovea. This frequent and harmless condition requires consideration in the differential diagnosis of macular holes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Histopathology
Background:
- The fovea is crucial for sharp central vision.
- Macular holes can cause significant vision loss.
- Differential diagnosis of foveal abnormalities is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel clinical finding termed "white dot fovea."
- To characterize the clinical and ultrastructural features of white dot fovea.
Main Methods:
- Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) was used to examine 58 eyes from 30 patients.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on 30 autopsy eyes (donors aged 70+).
- Patients presented with foveal white dots simulating macular holes.
Main Results:
- White dot fovea was bilateral in 93% of patients.
- Characterized by 100-300 white dots (approx. 5 microns) on the foveal surface.
- SEM revealed foveal granules with glial cell-like protrusions in 17% of autopsy eyes.
Conclusions:
- White dot fovea is a new, common, and benign clinical entity.
- It is readily visualized with SLO using an argon blue laser.
- This finding should be included in the differential diagnosis of macular holes.