Optic disc pit maculopathy: new perspectives on the natural history

Abstract Purpose To investigate the natural history of optic disc pit maculopathy and explore associations between demographic, anatomical and functional characteristics. Design : Retrospective, comparative case series. Methods A single-center medical record review of previously untreated optic disc pit maculopathy. Baseline data of visual function, demography and pit physiognomy were collected and further subgroup analysis was undertaken on patients with long-term follow-up, according to whether they were monitored or received surgical intervention. LogMAR visual acuity was the primary outcome measure and anatomical characteristics were reported, where available. Results 87 patients were identified with a new presentation of optic disc pit maculopathy. No demographic or pit features were correlated with vision at baseline. In 51 patients with available OCT data, only the presence of subretinal fluid at baseline was associated with poorer visual acuity (p Conclusions Many patients with optic disc pit maculopathy maintain good long-term visual acuity and may demonstrate resolution of subretinal fluid in the absence of surgical intervention. There may be evidence to support delaying surgical treatment until visual deterioration is observed, due to the potential stability or spontaneous improvement of the condition, the high rate of re-operation and long-term positive outcomes of deferred intervention.