Angioid Streaks

Question 1

What are Angioid Streaks?

Answer 1

• Cracks in Bruch’s membrane due to calcification & thickening
  o Often happens in conditions where have irregular collagen deposition in Bruch’s membrane – make is brittle and can break
• Usually radiate from disc

Question 2

What are the systemic associations of Angioid Streaks?

Answer 2

• 50% have systemic association:
  o PEPSI
  o Pseudoxanthoma elasticum – connective tissue disorder
  o Ehlers Danlos syndrome
  o Paget Disease – brittle bone disorder
  o Sickle cell disease (& other haemoglobinopathies) – blood disorder
  o Idiopathic – no cause

Question 3

When do Angioid Streaks need treated?

Answer 3

• If there is break in RPE or Bruch’s can end up with secondary CNV – much more an issue if it develops at fovea/macula
• Only needs treated when there is a secondary CNV, angioid streaks themselves don’t need treated – just monitored