Central Macular Depigmentation

[justme632]

One year ago, I had a full dilated exam by an ophthalmologist. My visual field tests were normal, and my visual acuity was 20/20 in one eye, and correctable to 20/20 in the other. My optic nerves and peripheral retinas were fine.

However, he noticed a bilateral area of depigmentation on my central retinas (macula).


He said that was indicative of a macular dystrophy, but he could not tell me what kind. He said that I could go to a retinal specialist to find out exactly what disease I have, but he did not seem too concerned and he did not seem like I needed to rush (This struck me as odd. I assume he said this either because there is no treatment for what I have, or because he does not think it needs attention now. Either way, this was not comforting).


My question, is what could I potentially have? Since then, there has not been any noticeable change or decrease in my vision. I'm concerned I have retinitis pigmentosa or cone-rod dystrophy and he didn't have the heart to tell me.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

This can be normal If you are light skinned or have blue eyes or your are blond. See a retinal specialist if your are concerned.  RP has pigmentary changes in the periphery.

Dr. O.

[justme632]

I apologize for leaving out these details:

I am a 20 year old white male (was 20 at the time of the visit) with, to my knowledge, no history of eye disease in my family.