This condition belongs to a group of disorders called flecked retina syndromes. These may be primarily ocular disorders but also includes some systemic disorders with a similar appearance of the retina (the light sensing tissue that lines the inside of the eye and connects to the brain). The disorder described here is called benign since it does not affect vision, day or night.
Small, discrete yellowish-white dots are seen throughout most of the retina except they are absent from the macula, the area with the highest concentration of light receptor cells, known as rods and cones. They have been seen in several children during the first decade of life and may be present at birth. Vision is normal in all individuals examined. Specialized studies of the retina using an electroretinogram (ERG) have been unable to detect any abnormalities of function.
This is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder. The parents are normal but each can transmit a mutant gene. When their offspring inherit both copies, benign familial fleck retina can result. The risk for this is 25% for each child.
The diagnosis is made by an ophthalmologist, usually during a routine examination since there are no symptoms. There is no visual dysfunction or impact on general health.