Purtscher's retinopathy

Purtscher's retinopathy is a rare, acute condition that causes sudden, partial loss of vision. It is often associated with trauma, but can also occur in the absence of any injury. The condition is named after Otmar Purtscher, who first described it in 1910.

Causes

Purtscher's retinopathy is typically associated with severe head or chest trauma. However, it can also occur in the absence of any injury. Other potential causes include acute pancreatitis, childbirth, long bone fractures, and certain autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms

The main symptom of Purtscher's retinopathy is sudden, partial loss of vision. This can occur in one or both eyes. Other symptoms may include floaters, flashes of light, and a decrease in peripheral vision.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Purtscher's retinopathy is based on a thorough eye examination. This includes a dilated eye exam, in which the doctor uses a special magnifying lens to examine the retina and other parts of the eye. Other tests may include a fluorescein angiogram, which uses a special dye to highlight the blood vessels in the eye, and an optical coherence tomography (OCT), which uses light waves to capture detailed images of the retina.

Treatment

There is currently no specific treatment for Purtscher's retinopathy. Instead, treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause of the condition. This may include treating any injuries or illnesses that may have triggered the retinopathy. In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the eye.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Purtscher's retinopathy varies depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some people may experience a partial or complete recovery of vision, while others may have permanent vision loss.

See also

• Retinopathy
• Trauma
• Pancreatitis
• Autoimmune diseases