Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the records of patient with pattern dystrophy (PD) with respect to demographic data, clinical history, and ophthalmologic findings. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and fundus photography of all cases were reviewed and type of PD, bilaterality, symmetry, and complications were noted. Cases complicated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) were treated with argon laser.

Results: PD was observed in 47 eyes of 25 patients, 53% of which were butterfly shaped dystrophy (BD). Fundus pulverulentus (FP) (23%) and reticular dystrophy (13%) were other common subtypes. Most of the eyes (72%) had a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/25 or better. CNV was observed in 9 eyes (19%), and most of these were classical membranes. Six of the CNVs were treated with argon laser, and visual acuity improved or remained stable in these eyes.

Conclusion: PDs may be more prevalent than expected in normal population, and have a favorable prognosis if not complicated with CNV. PD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of presumed idiopathic CNV. Keywords : Retinal pigment epithelium, pattern dystrophy, choroidal neovascularization