This report is concerned with a type of retinopathy which affects young or middle-aged adults, chiefly men, showing no generalized hypertension. It is seen almost exclusively when it affects the macular region and is characterized by symptoms and changes in the fundus which we believe can best be explained as the result of spastic contraction of the smaller retinal arterioles or capillaries supplying this region. A search of the literature reveals little in the English language concerning the condition which we wish to consider. Temporary closure of the central retinal artery or one of its main branches, presumably due to spasm, is well known. It may affect young persons without other signs of vascular disease. A history of partial or complete unilateral blindness with complete recovery, which can hardly be explained on any other basis, is not uncommon. A few such cases have been seen while the artery was closed