Mimickers of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

In the Western World, the leading cause of irreversible blindness is Age- Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). It can have significant visual impairment, and it is important that the practicing ophthalmologist is knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of ARMD. Equally important is knowledge in the diagnosis of other disease entities that may mimic ARMD, as this may change the prognosis, treatment and visual outcome of patients. This article discusses those diseases that mimic ARMD and their distinguishing features.

Keywords::

• drusen
• macular degeneration
• geographic atrophy
• Stargardt’s
• pattern dystrophy
• Best disease
• central serous chorioretinopathy

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This manuscript was supported by Research to Prevent Blindness, New York, NY.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.