Question 1

pattern dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium: what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Hereditary dystrophy: pattern Dystrophy is a hereditary retinal dystrophy that often mimics macular degeneration. However it does not progress in the same manner and can be associated with preservation of good vision depending on the severity of the dystrophy.

Question 2

can you tell me about pattern dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium?

Accepted Answer

Looks similar to AMD: Pattern dystrophy is a heterogeneous group of dominantly inherited macular disease.  It has patterns of deposits of yellow, orange, or pigment changes in the macular area.  It may be difficult to differentiate from AMD in late stages.  Some may develop Choroidal neovascular membranes.

Question 3

what is the retinal pigment epithelium?

Accepted Answer

Many functions: The RPE is a layer underneath the retina that serves many roles. Its many functions include light absorption, epithelial transport, spatial ion buffering, visual cycle, phagocytosis, secretion and immune modulation.  Without it, the retina degenerates as in various diseases including AMD.

Question 4

what is congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigmentation epithelium?

Accepted Answer

It is: A very darkly pigmented lesion of the retina found during an eye exam.  It is similar to a mole or nevus, but has some distinctive differences.  Unlike a mole, it cannot become cancerous.  It does not affect the vision and should be of no concern to you.

Question 5

i have congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigmentation epithelium, any suggestions?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on how many chrpe spots you have. If you only have one, observation is fine. If you have 4 or more, there is an increased risk for a type of cancer in the colon and you'll want to get that evaluated regularly.

Question 6

can lattice degeneration be thought of (seen) as warts on the pigment epithelium of peripheral retina?

Accepted Answer

Wicker-like: I think of lattice looking more like wicker, or little fine lacy lines within the retina with varying degrees of pigmentation or atrophy. These lattice areas are found in the peripheral retina and predispose individuals to retinal tears/detachment.

Question 7

is an atrophic hole in your retina serious?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: Atrophic holes can be found in 2-5/100 people and are associated with lattice degeneration; however,  retinal detachments occur at a rate of one in 9, 000 (much less). Atrophic holes tend to remain stable and do not require treatment unless there is a history of retinal tear or detachment (in the fellow eye or in the family) most can generally be followed without treatment (laser treatment).

Question 8

what is retinal pigmentation and is it serious?

Accepted Answer

Inherited eye diseas: Retinitis pigmentosa (rp) is a group of similar-appearing eye diseases that are hereditary in nature and can lead to blindness.  There is no known effective treatment at this time.  Rp often causes night blindness and reduction of peripheral vision.  More advanced disease causes loss of central vision.  The genetic defect in some autosomal dominant forms of rp is known.

Question 9

whats the meaning of retinal pigmentation?

Accepted Answer

Trauma, infection: The retina responds to trauma, infection and some inherited conditions by the production of pigment.  The ophthalmologist can evaluate this and determine the source of the problem frequently by looking at this pigment.  You cannot see your own pigment.

Question 10

with lattice retinal degeneration, how often should you get retinal exams to find new atrophic holes, etc, to prevent rd?

Accepted Answer

Once per year: Annual exams should be adequate unless you have sudden symptoms of new floaters, flashes of light, veils or curtains in your vision.  If any of these develop you should be examined within 48 hours.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Retinal pigment epithelium atrophy

A member asked:

Pattern dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium: what does this mean?

A member asked:

Can you tell me about pattern dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium?

A member asked:

What is the retinal pigment epithelium?

A member asked:

What is congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigmentation epithelium?

A member asked:

I have congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigmentation epithelium, any suggestions?

A member asked:

Can lattice degeneration be thought of (seen) as warts on the pigment epithelium of peripheral retina?

A member asked:

Is an atrophic hole in your retina serious?

A member asked:

What is retinal pigmentation and is it serious?

A member asked:

Whats the meaning of retinal pigmentation?

A member asked:

With lattice retinal degeneration, how often should you get retinal exams to find new atrophic holes, etc, to prevent rd?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?