The Precursors of Disciform Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Disciform macular degeneration often causes reduced visual acuity in the older population (Kahn & Moorhead, 1973). Statistical surveys indicate that approximately 25% of the older population has some manifestation of this disorder (SORSBY, 1966). The fluorescein angiographic features of disciform macular degeneration are well known (GASS, 1967). Frequently, both eyes are not involved at the same time; one eye may develop a typical macular lesion at some time before the other. Examination of fellow eyes may reveal disorders that are precursors of the disciform lesion. To understand the predisciform lesion, the fellow eye of every disciform macular degeneration patient needs a detailed examination. The angiographic findings in good seeing fellow eyes, when disciform macular degeneration is first noted in the other eye, are described below