Poor visual outcome following optic disc edema with a macular star ('neuroretinitis')

The term 'neuroretinitis' is a nonspecific description of a heterogenous group of disorders which are characterized by optic disc edema and a macular star figure of exudates. The condition has typically been described as benign and self-limited with a good visual prognosis. We report three cases with poor visual outcome following optic disc edema and a macular star ('neuroretinitis'). We postulate that the poor visual outcome in some patients may be due to a superimposed optic disc vasculitis or ischemic optic neuropathy. Ophthalmologists should be cautious when counselling patients about the visual prognosis in this syndrome.