Amyloidosis/Amyloid Deposits, Vitreous Involvement in

Definition

Amyloidosis encompasses a spectrum of disorders characterized by the abnormal deposition of insoluble protein aggregates. Amyloidosis can affect any organ and may be a localized or systemic disease. Ocular amyloidosis includes the orbit, extraocular muscles, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, trabecular meshwork, lens, vitreous, retina, and choroid. Ocular amyloidosis is a rare cause of vitreous haze and should be included in the differential diagnosis of vitreous opacification. The incidence of vitreous opacities in amyloidosis varies from 5.4 % to 35 %.

Vitreous amyloidosis manifests as “lacy,” “cobweb-like,” “sheet-like,” or “stringy” veils of gray or yellowish-white material in the vitreous. It is frequently visually significant. Most cases show an initial retinal tuft adjacent to retinal vessels followed by secondary vitreous involvement. Bilateral disease is typical, but unilateral or highly asymmetric presentations exist. Symptoms include floaters, blurry vision, or glare,...