Further insight into West African crystalline maculopathy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe new features and ocular coherence tomographic scans of individuals with West African crystalline maculopathy (WACM).

DESIGN

Prospective observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

All 14 patients with WACM identified in the medical retina clinic during a 6-month period.

METHODS

Full ophthalmic examination and high-resolution ocular coherence tomographic imaging and fluorescein angiography where indicated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ethnicity and dietary history of individuals, location of crystals, and associated retinal comorbidity.

RESULTS

Patients originated from several West African countries. Two patients had unilateral WACM. The crystals were yellow-green in color, birefringent, and located in the layer of Henle of the fovea. Coexistent retinal pathology was present in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Several new features of the condition are described. Breakdown of the blood retinal barrier may play a role in the formation of the crystals.