A Review of Lesions in the Optic Fundus in Various Diseases of the Blood

1. The frequency of retinopathy as seen on an active hematologic service in a two year period is reported. The report is based on the findings in 50 patients who had retinopathy associated with a blood disorder.

2. The occurrence of retinopathy in the course of leukemia did not significantly alter the mortality or duration of illness.

3. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, septicemia and immaturity of the leukocytes appear to be the most important factors in the production of retinopathy in hematologic diseases.

4. The various retinal lesions are illustrated in photographs. Perivascular sheathing was seen only in chronic granulocytic leukemia. Otherwise, retinopathy was not specific for any particular blood disorder.