Further insight into West African crystalline maculopathy.

ABSTRACT

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.