Diagnosis and management of angioid streaks

Abstract

Angioid streaks are asymptomatic breaks in Bruch's membrane developing later in life. Secondary macular degeneration and other fundus abnormalities often accompany their development. Angioid streaks are frequently associated with systemic diseases such as pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Paget's disease of bone, and the sickle cell hemoglobinopathies. The clinical manifestations of angioid streaks, related fundus changes, and these three systemic disorders are discussed as well as principles of treatment and management. Two case reports are presented which illustrate some of the important characteristics of angioid streaks.