The hereditary dystrophies of the posterior pole of the eye

Diminished vision as a result of macular degeneration or changes of the posterior pole of the eye constitutes an important ophthalmological problem. Kornzweig (1957) studied more than rooo eyes and found diminished vision as a result of an affection of the posterior pole in 24.1% of patients under So and 3S.6% of patients over So. Ouly cataract was found to be a more frequent cause of diminished vision. However, whereas the therapeutic possibilities are ample in the case of cataract, they are usually very limited in the many macular affections. Yet a too defeatist attitude towards affections of the posterior pole is undesirable. A better understanding and improved knowledge of macular anomalies and degenerations may well lead to a more effective approach. Precisely in familial dystrophies of the posterior pole, more perceptive interpretation of the clinical features and a knowledge of the mode of transmission can make a meaningful contribution to prophyla..'<is by responsible genetic counselling. In thls conte...'t it must be borne in mind that several dystrophies of the posterior pole cause so little loss of function that prophyla.'<is need not at all be considered. Since the clinical course and prognosis of the various macular degenerations are dependent on the type of affection, improved differentiation is of great importance also.