Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome

Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome is a benign, rare, acute, usually unilateral disease that primarily affects young women. Retinal findings can include white dots at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium, optic nerve head swelling, an enlarged blind spot, and paracentral and central scotomas. Visual loss can be significant early on, but almost always returns to normal. The cause is unknown.

A case of a 32-year-old woman with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome is presented and reviewed. The progression, symptoms, and differential diagnosis of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome are reviewed.

The diagnosis of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome should be considered in young patients who manifest acute unilateral vision loss or photopsia. This is particularly important if there is unilateral disk swelling and blind-spot enlargement.