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

• UAIM (Unilateral Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy)
• Unilateral Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy (UAIM)

What is Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy? (Definition/Background Information)

• The macula is an oval spot near the center of the retina that is involved in sharp focus of vision. Maculopathy (or macular retinopathy) indicates a damage to the macula from various factors
• Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy is an uncommon condition of unknown cause having a sudden onset that is mostly observed in young adults. The condition is known to resolve spontaneously in many cases
• Since, only one eye is typically involved, the condition is also referred to as Unilateral Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy (UAIM). The condition reportedly develops following a flu-like infection

Who gets Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals in any age category may be affected, but most Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy cases are reported among young adults
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all races and ethnicity are prone to developing the condition, although a greater number of cases are observed among Caucasians

What are the Risk Factors for Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy may include:

• A recent viral infection presenting flu-like symptoms may be a risk factor
• Rarely, the condition is also reported following yellow fever
• Young Caucasians are at an increased risk for the condition

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 Maculopathy? (Etiology)

• The cause of Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy is not well understood. It is a rare inflammatory condition involving the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)
• It seems to develop following a recent flu-like illness (such as Coxsackie virus infection). However, the correlation between the two is not well established

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy?

The signs and symptoms of Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy may include:

• Sudden and severe loss of central vision in one eye
• Central blind spot
• The condition is generally painless
• Retinal detachment (macular serous detachment); this may involve one or both eyes
• Bleeding within the retina (intraretinal hemorrhage)
• Involvement of the optic nerve resulting in its inflammation (optic neuritis)

How is Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy Diagnosed?

Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy 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 posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPEE)
• Central serous retinopathy
• Harada syndrome
• Uveal effusion syndrome

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 Maculopathy?

The complications of Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy may include:

• Emotional stress
• Worsening of the eye condition leading to severe loss of vision
• Decreased quality of life

How is Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy Treated?

In most cases, no treatment is necessary for Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy. However, the following may be considered:

• Wait and watch approach and a close monitor of the condition is recommended
• Symptomatic treatment of the presenting signs/symptoms
• Administration of oral medications (including pain medications), if necessary
• Steroids may be administered to control the inflammation

How can Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy be Prevented?

Currently, there are no methods to prevent Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy. However, a close follow-up of the clinical course of the condition is advised. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment of infections are helpful.

What is the Prognosis of Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of the Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy is usually good, since the condition resolves by its own within a few weeks. Most individuals have their full vision restored completely and no complications are typically noted.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy:

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

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