Abstract
Purpose:
In a recent report we showed that optic neuropathy of various etiologies may lead to the formation of small vacuoles in the inner nuclear layer of the macula. This phenomenon was termed microcystic macular edema (MME). We here report anatomical and functional findings in a larger series of patients with optic neuropathy and MME.
Methods:
Retrospective case series.
Results:
Microcystic macular edema is located in a distinct perifoveal ring in the macula. It is associated with a reduced thickness of both the retinal nerve fiber and the ganglion cell layers. Presence of microcysts is associated with increased thickness of the inner nuclear layer. The retinal areas showing presence of MME have a significantly reduced sensitivity to light, while several patients with MME have a normal visual acuity.
Conclusions:
Presence of MME is strongly associated to visual field loss with a good correspondance of field loss and localization of MME. Reduced visual acuity is not a prerequisite for the presence of MME.
Keywords: 613 neuro-ophthalmology: optic nerve •
585 macula/fovea •
688 retina