Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Frequently Asked Questions
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Crystalline Retinopathy Symptoms
Causes of crystalline retinopathy can include:
RecapMany conditions have been linked to the development of crystalline retinopathy. These conditions can cause the formation of crystals or lipid molecules within the blood vessels of the retina. Certain medications with the side effect of forming crystals in the blood vessels, toxic ingestions that create crystals in the blood vessels, and side effects of certain medical procedures can all lead to crystalline retinopathy.
Recap
Many conditions have been linked to the development of crystalline retinopathy. These conditions can cause the formation of crystals or lipid molecules within the blood vessels of the retina. Certain medications with the side effect of forming crystals in the blood vessels, toxic ingestions that create crystals in the blood vessels, and side effects of certain medical procedures can all lead to crystalline retinopathy.
An eye specialist, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, can perform several procedures to identify and diagnose crystalline retinopathy, including:
Additionally, lab tests may be ordered to determine if there is an underlying medical condition, such as a genetic disorder or cardiovascular disease, that is causing the crystalline retinopathy.
Getting annual eye exams is the best way to identify crystalline retinopathy early and potentially halt and reverse damage to the retina.
Treatment for crystalline retinopathy is to remove the causative drug or agent, if possible, such as the toxic ingestion or medication inducing the condition. For underlying genetic disorders or conditions that cannot be reversed, symptomatic treatment may be indicated.
For cardiovascular disease, lowering your intake of dietary fats and eating more fruits and vegetables can be effective. For Sjögren-Larsson syndrome, restricting fats and adding in supplements can help metabolize the fatty acids.
Whenever possible, eliminating the cause of crystalline retinopathy is the best treatment. For other conditions, neutralizing the development of the crystals or lipid molecules with medications or other interventions, like dialysis, may be indicated.
Depending on the causative agent, prognosis is favorable. If a medication is causing crystalline retinopathy, the condition of the retina can improve once the medication is stopped. In other cases, such as toxic ingestions, changes to the retina may be irreversible and permanent.
Summary
A Word From Verywell
Crystalline retinopathy is a result of many different medical conditions, and people affected may not have any symptoms while retina damage is occurring. Being aware of the various underlying medical conditions that can cause crystalline retinopathy, as well as getting regular exams from an eye specialist, can identify crystalline retinopathy early. The earlier crystalline retinopathy is identified, the sooner treatment can start and the better the prognosis.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCrystalline retinopathy can be the result of different medical conditions, medications, ingestions of toxins, and embolic and iatrogenic causes.Some conditions lead to a formation of crystals in the body’s blood vessels, while others lead to the accumulation of excessive lipid molecules in the body’s blood vessels.In both cases, the crystals or lipid molecules block the blood vessels and prevent the delivery of nutrient-rich blood and oxygen to the cells of the retina. Ultimately, whether the blockage is due to crystals or lipids, the retina cannot receive the nutrients and oxygen it needs, and crystalline retinopathy can occur.The majority of literature available on crystalline retinopathy indicates that it’s relatively rare. Tamoxifen has several side effects, of which crystalline retinopathy is one of the rarer ones, at 1.5%–11.5%.Sjögren-Larsson syndrome is rare and estimated to affect fewer than 0.4 people per 100,000. Crystalline retinopathy is a late-stage finding in people with Sjögren-Larsson syndrome.
Crystalline retinopathy can be the result of different medical conditions, medications, ingestions of toxins, and embolic and iatrogenic causes.Some conditions lead to a formation of crystals in the body’s blood vessels, while others lead to the accumulation of excessive lipid molecules in the body’s blood vessels.In both cases, the crystals or lipid molecules block the blood vessels and prevent the delivery of nutrient-rich blood and oxygen to the cells of the retina. Ultimately, whether the blockage is due to crystals or lipids, the retina cannot receive the nutrients and oxygen it needs, and crystalline retinopathy can occur.
The majority of literature available on crystalline retinopathy indicates that it’s relatively rare. Tamoxifen has several side effects, of which crystalline retinopathy is one of the rarer ones, at 1.5%–11.5%.Sjögren-Larsson syndrome is rare and estimated to affect fewer than 0.4 people per 100,000. Crystalline retinopathy is a late-stage finding in people with Sjögren-Larsson syndrome.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Crystalline retinopathy.Kim HA, Lee S, Eah KS, Youn YH.Prevalence and risk factors of tamoxifen retinopathy. J Ophtha. 2019;127(4):555-557. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.10.038Nanda T, Kovach JL.Ophthalmic findings in late stage sjogren-larrson syndrome.Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2019;13(3):251-254. doi:10.1097/ICB.0000000000000583
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Crystalline retinopathy.Kim HA, Lee S, Eah KS, Youn YH.Prevalence and risk factors of tamoxifen retinopathy. J Ophtha. 2019;127(4):555-557. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.10.038Nanda T, Kovach JL.Ophthalmic findings in late stage sjogren-larrson syndrome.Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2019;13(3):251-254. doi:10.1097/ICB.0000000000000583
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Crystalline retinopathy.Kim HA, Lee S, Eah KS, Youn YH.Prevalence and risk factors of tamoxifen retinopathy. J Ophtha. 2019;127(4):555-557. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.10.038Nanda T, Kovach JL.Ophthalmic findings in late stage sjogren-larrson syndrome.Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2019;13(3):251-254. doi:10.1097/ICB.0000000000000583
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Crystalline retinopathy.
Kim HA, Lee S, Eah KS, Youn YH.Prevalence and risk factors of tamoxifen retinopathy. J Ophtha. 2019;127(4):555-557. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.10.038
Nanda T, Kovach JL.Ophthalmic findings in late stage sjogren-larrson syndrome.Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2019;13(3):251-254. doi:10.1097/ICB.0000000000000583
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