Introduction: The prevalence of myelinated retinal nerve fibers is 0.3%-0.6% of eyes. Although they often constitute benign lesions, they are rarely associated with retinal vascular abnormalities including preretinal neovascularization.
Case report: A 31-year-old patient, with no previous pathological antecedents, consulted us for myodesopsia in her left eye. The exam found a visual acuity of 10/10 and a normal anterior segment in the two eyes. At the ophthalmoscopic examination of the left eye, we noted myelinated nerve fibers in the inferotemporal quadrant that were associated with a temporal neovascular bouquet covering area of 1.5 optic disks. A small amount of intravitreal hemorrhage was found. The ophthalmoscopic examination of the right eye was normal. The treatment consisted in sector-based photocoagulation with argon laser and cryotherapy.
Discussion: The source of neovascularization in the myelinated retinal nerve fibers was discussed. Underlying retinal ischemia is the most probable mechanism. The treatment was based on sector-based or panretinal photocoagulation.
Conclusion: Preretinal neovascularization is a rare complication of myelinated nerve fibers. The earlier the care is given, the more complications can be avoided.