Application of a laser flare-cell meter to examine blood-aqueous barrier function in a patient with retinitis punctata albescens.

A laser flare-cell meter was used to examine blood-aqueous barrier function in a 21-year-old male patient who had typical retinitis punctata albescens with white dots scattered throughout large areas of the fundus in both eyes. Fluorescein angiography showed multiple areas of hyperfluorescence over dot lesions and window defects. Electroretinogram demonstrated subnormal amplitude and electrooculogram showed a reduced light-peak/dark-trough ratio. Goldmann perimetry revealed constricted peripheral fields. Laser photometry showed an increased aqueous flare intensity in both eyes compared to results in 10 normal subjects. Quantitative measurement of the aqueous flare intensity by a laser flare-cell meter might indicate abnormalities in the blood-aqueous barrier in patients with retinitis punctata albescens.