Bilateral talc maculopathy and fibrovascular proliferation in a drug abuser.

Background: Intravenous drug abuse can cause a characteristic crystalline maculopathy. Very rarely, peripheral retinal neovascularization can also be seen in intravenous drug abusers. We present a case of a young cocaine abuser with bilateral crystalline maculopathy and peripheral retinal neovascularization. Methods: Case report. Results: Retinal vascular emboli such as talc are common in drug abusers, but in most cases, the retinal deposits pose only a minimal threat to vision. Our case shows a bilateral crystalline maculopathy and extensive retinal neovascularization, with a devastating effect on visual acuity. Conclusion: Intravenous drug abuse can cause retinopathy. This article is about a young cocaine abuser with bilateral crystalline maculopathy and extensive peripheral retinal neovascularization.