In order to test the validity of contrast sensitivity (CS) measurements in the early detection of visual impairment in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), we have evaluated the findings of CS in patients with drusen and normal visual acuity (17 eyes), as well as in the contralateral ‘healthy’ eye of patients with AMD (14 eyes). We also tried to estimate the validity of CS measurements in the prognosis of neovascular macular degeneration. The CS findings were evaluated in comparison to the findings of CS measurements in age-matched controls (32 eyes). CS loss is a constant finding in eyes with drusen and normal visual acuity. CS loss is more important at the middle range and high spatial frequencies. CS loss and degree of CS loss are not prognostic indicators of neovascular macular degeneration.

Had this patient been referred sooner for a simple carotid artery work-up, both the CCA occlusion and the OIS could probably had been prevented.

Purpose To present a case of macular edema and neovascularization in a patient who was diagnosed with Stargardt macular dystrophy. Methods We present the case of a 22 year old male who experienced visual deterioration in his left eye. At presentation his visual acuity was OD 8‐9/10 and OS 6‐7/10. OCT scan, fluoroangiography (FA) and electroretinografy (ERG), were performed. Results OCT scan revealed cystoid macular edema in the right eye, and increased reflectivity of the pigment epithelium and some subretinal fluid in the left eye. FA findings were consistent with Stargardt dystrophy. However in the right eye an area of increasing hyperfluorescence was observed (presence of neovascularisation). ERG: subnormal photopic and scotopic responses. The color vision was impaired mainly in the left eye. Following the experience of other investigators acetazolamide was administered orally (300 mg per day) and resolution of the cystoid edema was obvious in OCT scan after 20 days. The visual acuity increased (OD 10/10 and OS 8/10). Two weeks after the discontinuation of acetolozamide the macular edema reappeared and the visual acuity diminished: OD 8‐9/10 and OS 6‐7/10. Conclusion This is a peculiar case of cystoid macular edema and neovascularization in Stargardt macular dystrophy. Our findings suggest, in consistency with other investigators, that administration of oral acetozolamide may be beneficial for the resolution of macular edema. The neovascularization in the left eye remained stable during the follow up period and it was considered that any intervention was not necessary at that time.

Purpose: To present an interesting case of bilateral persistent pupillary membrane remnants without visual acuity impairment. Persistent pupillary membrane remnants are an ocular “congenital anomaly” and often affect both eyes. Methods: A 12 year old dark‐haired boy presented on a routine examination with dense and wide pupillary membrane remnants attached to the iris collarette and the anterior lens capsule bilaterally. In OD the remnants covered almost the whole pupillary area however leaving some clear islands and among them a central one. In OS the remnants did not cover the central pupillary area. Results: Uncorrected visual acuity was surprisingly good (9/10 OD and 10/10 OS). Although autorefraction was OD: +3.50 ‐2.25 X 180º and OS: +0.75 ‐0.25 X 170º, subjective refraction was OD: + 1.25 X 90º providing 10/10 and Jaeger 1 and OS: plano providing 10/10 and Jaeger 1. Conclusions: The characteristic of the pupillary membrane remnants is the attachment to the iris collarette and this is the most important differential diagnostic feature from pupillary membranes of other origin. Surgical removal of these membranes or YAG‐laser membranectomy is sometimes necessary in cases with severe visual impairment. The surprisingly good visual acuity in the present case is not suggestive of any attempt to remove these pupillary membrane remnants. Excellent near and distant visual acuity was preserved in the right eye due to a “pinhole effect” of the central clear island which prevented the occurrence of amblyopia.