Reticular pseudodrusen. A risk factor in age-related maculopathy.

BACKGROUND

Reticular pseudodrusen refer to a yellow interlacing network 125 microns to 250 microns wide appearing first in the superior outer macula and then extending circumferentially and beyond. Unlike true drusen, they do not fluoresce on fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography, and are best seen in red-free light or with the He-Ne laser of the scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

METHODS

One hundred patients have been seen in our retinal practice with this clinical feature in the past 3 years.

RESULTS

All had some manifestation of age-related maculopathy (ARM), and 66% had or subsequently developed subretinal new vessels in one or both eyes. The appearance is attributed to changes in the choroid.

CONCLUSIONS

Reticular pseudodrusen are an easily recognizable clinical sign, and may be an important risk factor for choroidal neovascularization in ARM.