Camera artifacts producing the false impression of growth of choroidal melanocytic lesions

Abstract

Purpose: To report a camera artifact that masks portions of pigmented lesions while preserving overlying retinal details.

Design: Case report.

Methods: Cases collected from the authors' clinical practice were identified during review of fundus photos. An attempt was made to reproduce the artifact in a normal eye.

Results: Three cases were identified that demonstrated this artifact.

Conclusion: Off-axis color photos can produce a reddish artifact that may blend imperceptibly with the surrounding retinal appearance and filter visualization of melanocytic pigment. This can mask a portion of a pigmented lesion and later may create a false impression of a larger lesion.