Acquired retinal macroaneurysms.

Five patients with retinal macroaneurysms are described. The aneurysms may be an incidental finding or they may cause visual loss from retinal, preretinal and vitreous hemorrhages or from macular edema or exudation. The prognosis is good in those cases presenting with hemorrhage but is poorer in those with macular problems. Acquired aneurysms are found in older patients who are hypertensive or have vascular disease. We believe that retinal emboli play an important part in their development.