[Spotty fatty retinal degeneration (author's transl)].

The author describes the macroscopical, microscopical and ultrastructural features of a peculiar form of snail track degeneration, which was found in 3 eyes with absolute glaucoma. The snowflakes are concentrated to scattered patches in an extensive frosted area of the peripheral retina. The glittering points consist of neutral fat in a gliotic and atrophic retina. Electron microscopy examination shows fat droplets within the astrocytes and Müller cells. These findings are believed to be the expression of a "in situ break down" of a very slowly atrophying retina by the macroglia.