Auto-immune-like cone dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To describe rapid loss of cone vision in an adult due to putative auto-immune rejection.

METHODS: Clinical and electrophysiological examination, including full-field and multi-focal electroretinograms (ERGs), were used to assess retinal function. Serum was analyzed for antibodies to retinal antigens.

RESULTS: The patient lost cone vision in the course of several months while rod vision remained unaffected. Initially short wavelength (S) cone function appeared more resistant to the degeneration. Cancer associated retinal antibodies were present in the sera of the patient but no cancer has been found.

CONCLUSION: Rapid loss of cone function can occur in an adult without a concomitant neoplasm although serum antibodies to retinal antigens suggest an autoimmune cause.