Berlin's Retinal Clouding
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Berlin's Retinal Clouding is a condition that develops after a blunt eye injury, appearing as a large, irregularly shaped spot of gray-white or milky-white that typically resolves within a few days. The condition is distinguished from retinal detachment or central artery embolism by the visibility of the retinal vessels and the absence of vessel tortuosity.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
Berlin's Retinal Clouding (named after the German ophthalmologist Berlin), develops after a blunt injury, contusion of the eye, in the form of a large gray-white, later milky-white, irregularly shaped spot in the area of the posterior pole of the eye—or at the site of injury or on the part of the retina diametrically opposite this place (counter-impact). The clouding appears several hours after the injury and reaches its greatest development within 24 hours, after which it usually gradually decreases and after several days (3-8) finally disappears. Visual acuity is temporarily reduced, and the visual field narrows. The retinal vessels remain unchanged; they sharply stand out against the background of the clouding (difference from central retinal artery embolism), and on them there are no bends (difference from retinal detachment). The anatomical basis of the clouding is, probably, retinal edema. Treatment: rest, a compressive bandage on the eye, Hertel leeches, hot foot baths.
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Cite this page
“Berlin's Retinal Clouding.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/berlins-retinal-clouding/