Uremic optic neuropathy with severe epiretinal membrane formation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe a patient with uremic optic neuropathy and concomitant epiretinal membrane formation.

METHODS

The patient was investigated by standard ophthalmoscopy, blood samples, and by radiography.

PATIENT: A 24-year-old woman with renal failure.

RESULTS

Severe optic nerve head edema and massive epiretinal fibrosis with central retinal tractional detachment were found in both eyes. Surgical intervention resulted in attachment of the right retina, whereas the condition resulted in chronic detachment of the left retina despite repeated treatment.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, the combination of uremic optic neuropathy and massive epiretinal membrane formation has not been described previously. Strategies for managing this severe visually threatening condition are discussed.