What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement (AIBSE)
• AIBSE (Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement)
• AIBSE Syndrome

What is Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome? (Definition/Background Information)

• Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement (AIBSE) Syndrome is a typically self-limiting condition affecting the outer retina resulting in a form of retinopathy (damage to the retina) causing loss of retinal function
• The condition is predominantly noted in females with shortsightedness. According to some reports, AIBSE Syndrome shares many features with another retinal disorder, namely multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS)

Who gets Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals of a wide age category (between 10 and 57 years) may be affected by Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome. However, most cases are noted in the age group of 20-30 years
• Both males and females may be affected; although, a vast majority of the cases are reported in females
• Worldwide, individuals of all races and ethnicity are prone to developing the condition. However, Caucasians seem to have a higher risk for developing AIBSE Syndrome

What are the Risk Factors for Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome may include:

• Mild to moderate shortsightedness (myopia)
• Female gender
• Individuals of Caucasian race

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome? (Etiology)

The cause of Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome is not well understood.

• Some reports indicate that the onset of the condition is seen following a viral infection, or even after measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination
• It is reported that the body’s immune-mediated response to the infection or vaccination may trigger AIBSE Syndrome

AIBSE Syndrome is believed to be a part of primary inflammatory choriocapillaropathies (PICCP) that form a spectrum of disorders which include white dot syndromes.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome?

The signs and symptoms of Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome may vary between individuals and may include:

• Presence of blind spots, or scotoma, causing partial vision loss, affecting only one eye
• Light-sensitivity or photophobia
• Flashes of light in the eye, or photopsia
• Small specks, called floaters, that may be seen moving through one's field of vision
• Other vision abnormalities such as reduced or blurred vision

How is Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome Diagnosed?

Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome may be diagnosed by the following observations and tests:

• Physical examination and medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• General eye exam
• Fundoscopic (ophthalmoscopic) examination by an eye specialist, who examines the back part of the eye (or the fundus)
• Visual acuity test using a special and standardized test chart (Snellen chart)
• Slit-lamp examination
• Visual evoked potential (VEP) test
• Fundus fluorescein angiography
• Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of eye

A differential diagnosis to eliminate other conditions may be considered, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis. These may include:

• Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN)
• Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE)
• Acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR)
• Birdshot retinochoroidopathy
• Multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis (MCP)
• Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) - it forms an important differential diagnosis
• Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS)
• Punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC)
• Serpiginous choroiditis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome?

The complications of Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome may include:

• Emotional stress
• Worsening of the eye condition leading to poor vision
• Decreased quality of life
• Recurrence of the condition

How is Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome Treated?

The treatment of Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome is not well-defined. However, the following may be considered:

• Wait and watch approach and a close monitor of the condition
• Symptomatic treatment
• Administration of oral medications (including pain medications), if necessary
• Steroids may be administered to control inflammation
• Dark glasses may be prescribed for light-sensitivity
• Undertaking suitable treatment of any underlying conditions such as myopia

How can Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome be Prevented?

Currently, there are no methods to prevent Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome.

What is the Prognosis of Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

It is reported that the prognosis of the Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome is generally good in a majority of cases, since the condition is self-limiting.

• In many individuals, the time from the onset of AIBSE Syndrome to complete recovery is a few months. The inflammation may subside in about 4 weeks and a return to normal eye function may take about 3-4 months
• Some individuals may show symptoms, such as light sensitivity, flashes in the eye, and other visual defects, for a long-term. Rarely, the condition is known to recur

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Acute Idiopathic Blind Spot Enlargement Syndrome:

Please visit our Eye & Vision Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/vision-center/