Hi, I am a 21 year old Caucasian male in good health, with no history of eye disease in my family. At an eye exam one year ago, an ophthalmologist examined my retinas and initially found everything to be normal. Visual field tests were normal, and visual acuity was correctable to 20/20 in both eyes. However, upon doing a dilated exam, the ophthalmologist discovered a bilateral depigmentated area on the central macula. He said this could be indicative of a macular dystrophy, and to follow up with a retinal specialist if I was concerned. Since then I have noticed no visual changes, and have not yet been evaluated by a specialist.
What diseases could cause areas of depigmentation on the macula? Are they all progressive, or could some causes be benign?
A 42- Response from Online-eye-info/Central Macular Depigmentation
by Online Eye Info
Thanks for your Question
There are multiple types of macular dystrophy and most of them are benign with no or little loss of visual acuity.
It would better to follow up with retinal specialist to determine if it is a macular dystrophy or not. This can be done by multiple diagnostic tests such as Fluorescein angiography, OCT, ICG and so one. Sometimes genetic test my be required to determine the exact type.
