Evolution of reticular pseudodrusen.
OBJECTIVE
To report observations relating to the clinical recognition and possible basis of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD).


METHODS
This retrospective study reports the evolution of RPD in 166 patients who had follow-up of over 1 year using multiple imaging techniques. Mean age when first seen was 73.3 years and the mean period of observation was 4.9 years (range 1-18 years). Associated macular changes were recorded.


RESULTS
RPD were first identified in the upper fundus as a reticular network, which then became less obvious, developing a diffuse yellowish appearance. RPD also faded around choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). RPD therefore could be transient but the pattern often remained visible outside the macula or nasal to the discs. Manifestations of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were present in nearly all eyes and there was a particularly high association with CNV (52.1%). In one clinicopathological case abnormal material was found in the subretinal space.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of RPD may be underestimated because their recognition depends upon the imaging method used, the area of fundus examined and the confusion with typical drusen. The pathology of one eye suggests that RPD may correspond to material in the subretinal space.
Department of Ophthalmology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, Australia. jssarks@bigpond.net.au
John
J
Sarks
Jennifer
J
Arnold
I-Van
IV
Ho
Shirley
S
Sarks
Murray
M
Killingsworth
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D015593:Retinal Drusen / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence