White dot syndromes are a group of eye inflammatory diseases. They are characterized by the presence of white dots on the eye interior (fundus). These group of eye syndromes include:
Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE): It mainly affects adults (mean age is 27). The symptoms include vision loss in both eyes and blurred vision. The onset of vision loss may happen at a different time in each eye. It is characterized by yellow-white lesions in the posterior pole. Some researchers suggest that one is genetically predisposed to the disease. Few other postulate that an abnormal immune response to a viral agent triggers the syndrome.
Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS): Women are mostly affected by this disorder. A sudden loss of vision is experienced by the patients but they eventually regain their normal vision. The white dots are very small in size (100 to 200 micrometers). They are located in the posterior pole at the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) level. These white dots disappear after few weeks. No known cause has been found yet. It is suggested that “hormonal status” might be a catalyst for this disorder as it occurs primarily in females.
Punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC): It is a milder form of MFC. It mainly occurs in young females.Scotomas and blurred vision are the general symptoms. PIC does not recur in patients. Yellow lesions (100-300 microns) are found in the posterior pole.
Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR): It occurs in young to middle age people. It finally leads to retinal cell death. Photopsias and acute visual field loss are the general symptoms. The suspected causes include fungal, viral and autoimmune.
Multifocal choroiditis (MFC): It mainly affects myopic females. Grey or yellow lesions are found at the level of the RPE and choroid. White dots are 50-500 microns in size. These are found in the macula.
Some other diseases that present white dots are
- Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN)
- Birdshot choroidopathy
- Serpiginious choroiditis
