Dense deposit disease is a complement-mediated kidney disorder now grouped under C3 glomerulopathies. It can also affect the eye through drusen-like deposits.
Ocular manifestations
Abnormal complement activation leads to deposits in Bruch’s membrane and choroid.
- Development of macular drusen in children or young adults
- Risk of choroidal neovascularisation and visual loss
- Fundus changes resembling early age-related macular degeneration but at younger ages
- Need for regular retinal assessments in affected patients
Management
Treatment focuses on renal disease and monitoring ocular complications.
- Nephrology-led complement-targeted or supportive therapy
- Anti-VEGF injections for any choroidal neovascularisation
- Control of blood pressure and other vascular risk factors
- Low-vision support if macular scarring develops
