National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Adult-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy



I have been diagnosed with vitelliform macular dystrophy. Is vision loss inevitable, and if so, in what sort of time frame? I am 69.

Signs and symptoms of adult-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy typically begin during mid-adulthood, in the fourth or fifth decade of life. At the time of diagnosis, mild blurring or mildly distorted vision may be present. In most cases, the cells underlying the macula become more damaged over time, which can cause slowly progressive vision loss. The condition is usually affects both eyes.[1][2] It usually does not affect peripheral vision or the ability to see at night.[3]

Studies have revealed much variability in the signs, symptoms and progression of this condition. Some people with AVMD do not have any visual symptoms throughout their life. Others may experience ongoing visual loss, but for most people the vision loss is not severe. In general, the long-term outlook (prognosis) is usually good, but loss of central visual function is possible.[1][2]
Last updated: 3/8/2016

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  1. Chowers I, Tiosano L, Audo I, Grunin M, Boon CJ. Adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy: A fresh perspective. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. February 2015; 47:64-85. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25681578.
  2. Tiosano L, Grunin M, Hagbi-Levi S, Banin E, Averbukh E, Chowers I. Characterising the phenotype and progression of sporadic adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy. British Journal of Opthalmology. November, 2016; 100(11):1476-1481. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26802173.
  3. Vitelliform macular dystrophy. Genetics Home Reference. December 2013; http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/vitelliform-macular-dystrophy.