Camera artifacts producing the false impression of growth of choroidal melanocytic lesions

PURPOSE: To report a camera artifact that masks portions of pigmented lesions while preserving overlying retinal details. DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: Cases collected from the authors' clinical practice were identified during review of fundus photos. An attempt was made to reproduce the artifact in a normal eye. RESULTS: Three cases were identified that demonstrated this artifact. CONCLUSION: Off,axis color photos can produce a reddish artifact that may blend imperceptibly with the surrounding retinal appearance and filter visualization of melanocytic pigment. This can mask a portion of a pigmented lesion and later may create a false impression of a larger lesion. (Am J Ophthalmol 2003;135:711-713. (C) 2003 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.).