Azoor

Azoor is a condition in which retinal dysfunction occurs in response to multifocal inflammation at the back of the eye. The retina lines the back of the eye rather as film lines the back of a camera, and as the retina loses function parts of the vision may appear dull or may be absent. The cause of retinal dysfunction is, as yet, unknown and the nature of the association between the dysfunction and the multifocal inflammation has not been identified. When the ophthalmologist views the back of the eye, evidence of inflammation is usually evident, although the dysfunctional retina appears quite normal. The diagnosis is confirmed by recording the electrical response of the retina to light (electroretinogram), which confirms that the visual loss is due to retinal disease rather than problems elsewhere.

The condition usually presents with flashing lights and an enlarged blind spot. The area of visual loss may spread for a period and then become stable. In the majority of patients, the retina recovers its function over a period of one to three years. However, in a small proportion there is no recovery of function and, with time, structural changes become apparent to the clinician. There is no treatment known by which the course of the disorder can be modified.