BIRDSHOT RETINOCHOROIDOPATHY

Birdshopt shoroidopathy is recurrent and bilateral occuring in predominantly females in their 40's to 60's who are positive for HLA-A29. Only 20% maintain decent vision in at least one eye. The earlier treatment is initiated the better the prognosis.

Central vision slowly fades and the patient may have light sensitivity, floaters, night blindness, and impaired color vision.

Clinical signs are vitreous cells, retinal vasculitis, small white cream colored spots in the posterior pole and mid-periphery. New spots may appear with time. There may be some cystoid macular edema.

Fluorescein angiography shows early hypofluorescence and late hyperfluorescence.

Treatment is with systemic steroids or azathioprine and periocular steroids for CME.