Benign idiopathic haemorrhagic retinopathy

Purpose To describe a new condition characterised by an unusual unilateral idiopathic haemorrhagic retinopathy. Methods A review is presented of patient histories from 5 patients with acu te-onset unilateral idiopathic haemorrhagic retinopathy, including results of ophthalmological, haematological and fluorescein angiographic examinatio ns. Results All patients had an extensive deep blot haemorrhagic retinopathy wi thout significant vascular signs or abnormal optic discs. In 4 cases the ha emorrhage was sufficiently severe to break through into the vitreous. Fluor escein angiography demonstrated normal arteriovenous flow, without capillar y non-perfusion, vessel or disc leakage. Disc swelling, macular oedema and cotton wool spots were not seen at any stage in these patients. All patient s recovered the visual acuity in the affected eye by 4 months. Systemic exa mination in all cases was unremarkable. Conclusion This distinct and rare form of retinopathy is important to defin e since it has a good prognosis without treatment.