Overview
Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare eye condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. In AMN, small wedge-shaped or petal-shaped areas of damage appear in the macula, disrupting the way light signals are sent from the eye to the brain. The condition is also sometimes called 'acute macular neuroretinopathy syndrome.' Most people who develop AMN are young to middle-aged adults, and women appear to be affected more often than men. The most common symptoms are sudden blind spots or dark patches in the center of vision, along with a condition called paracentral scotoma, where parts of the visual field just off-center go missing. Some people also notice that colors look washed out or that fine details are harder to see. These symptoms can appear in one or both eyes and often come on very suddenly, sometimes after a viral illness, use of certain medications, or other triggers. There is currently no proven cure or standard drug treatment for AMN. Many patients experience partial recovery of vision over time, but some blind spots may be permanent. Management focuses on monitoring vision, identifying and addressing any underlying triggers, and supporting the patient through the recovery process. Research into this condition is ongoing, and understanding of AMN has grown significantly with advances in retinal imaging technology.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Sudden blind spots in the center or near-center of visionDark or gray patches in the visual field (called scotomas)Blurred or reduced sharpness of central visionColors appearing washed out or less vividDifficulty reading or recognizing facesSensitivity to lightA feeling that something is blocking part of the visionSymptoms in one or both eyesVision changes that appear suddenly, often within hours or days
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Acute macular neuroretinopathy.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Acute macular neuroretinopathy.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What caused my AMN, and are there any triggers I should avoid in the future?,How much of my vision is likely to come back, and over what time frame?,Should I stop taking oral contraceptives or any other medications?,What imaging or tests will you use to monitor my condition over time?,Are there any treatments — even experimental ones — that might help my recovery?,What signs should prompt me to call you or go to the emergency room?,Are there low vision specialists or rehabilitation services you can refer me to?
Common questions about Acute macular neuroretinopathy
What is Acute macular neuroretinopathy?
Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare eye condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. In AMN, small wedge-shaped or petal-shaped areas of damage appear in the macula, disrupting the way light signals are sent from the eye to the brain. The condition is also sometimes called 'acute macular neuroretinopathy syndrome.' Most people who develop AMN are young to middle-aged adults, and women appear to be affected more often than men. The most common symptoms are sudden blind spots or dark patches in the center of vision
How is Acute macular neuroretinopathy inherited?
Acute macular neuroretinopathy follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Acute macular neuroretinopathy typically begin?
Typical onset of Acute macular neuroretinopathy is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Acute macular neuroretinopathy?
1 specialists and care centers treating Acute macular neuroretinopathy are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.