chorioretinal scar

A chorioretinal scar is an area of pigmentary change or fibrosis that is located on the inside surface of the eye [1]. These scars may be the result of an old infection or injury, but in some cases, the source remains unknown. The location of the scar within the retina can affect vision; if it's situated in the central retina, it can cause decreased vision [1].

In most cases, chorioretinal scars are located away from the central retina and do not significantly impact vision. However, their presence may still be a sign of past eye issues or infections.

The scars themselves can appear as small areas of pigment or fibrous tissue in the back of the eye [2]. They might be caused by an eye infection or injury that occurred in the past [2].

It's worth noting that chorioretinal scars are not always visible to the naked eye, but healthcare providers may be able to see them during a routine eye examination [3]. In some cases, additional tests such as lab tests on material swabbed from the eye might be conducted to identify any underlying infections [3].

Overall, a chorioretinal scar is a small area of change in the back of the eye that can result from past eye issues or infections.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Chorioretinal Scar

A chorioretinal scar can cause a range of symptoms, depending on its location and size. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Blurred or impaired vision: A chorioretinal scar in the central retina can cause decreased vision, making it difficult to see objects clearly [12].
• Redness and pain: Inflammation caused by a chorioretinal scar can lead to redness and pain in the eye [9].
• Photosensitivity: Some people may experience sensitivity to light due to inflammation or scarring in the retina [9].
• Ocular exudate: A chorioretinal scar can cause fluid to leak into the eye, leading to ocular exudate [9].
• Blurred vision in one eye: Symptoms are usually unilateral and tend to develop over time [2].

Other Possible Symptoms

In some cases, a chorioretinal scar may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications.

• Macular hole: A macular hole is a small defect in the center of the retina that can cause blurred vision and other visual disturbances [4].
• Epiretinal membrane: An epiretinal membrane is a delicate tissue-like scar or membrane that can distort vision and cause objects to appear crooked [4].

Important Note

It's essential to consult an eye care professional if you experience any symptoms associated with a chorioretinal scar. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further complications and improve visual outcomes.

References:

[1] Context result 12 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 9 [4] Context result 4

A comprehensive eye exam, including dilation of the pupil, is typically required to diagnose a chorioretinal scar [10]. In addition to this, various imaging tests can be used to help confirm the diagnosis.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This test uses low-coherence interferometry to capture precise images of the retina, which can aid in diagnosing chorioretinitis and other conditions affecting the eye [4][8].
• Fluorescein Angiography: This imaging technique involves injecting a fluorescent dye into the bloodstream, which highlights blood flow in the back of the eyes. It may be used to diagnose conditions such as chorioretinitis [2].
• Ultrasound or X-rays: These tests can provide additional information about the eye and surrounding tissues, helping to rule out other potential causes of a chorioretinal scar [10].

Other diagnostic tests that may be considered include:

• Lab tests on material swabbed from the eye: These tests can help identify infections and other underlying conditions [1].
• Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA): This test is used to look at blood flow in the back of the eyes, which can aid in diagnosing chorioretinitis [2].
• Imaging tests: These may include pictures, fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography, ultrasound, or even x-rays [10].

It's worth noting that a comprehensive eye exam with dilation of the pupil is typically the first step in diagnosing a chorioretinal scar. The specific diagnostic tests used will depend on the individual case and may be determined by an ophthalmologist or other eye care professional.

Treatment Options for Chorioretinal Scar

A chorioretinal scar, also known as a chorioretinal lesion or atrophy, is an area of pigmentary change or fibrosis on the inside surface of the eye. While there are no specific treatments to reverse or cure a chorioretinal scar, various therapies can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications.

• Corticosteroid drugs: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone pills, may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in the choroid and retina, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with chorioretinitis (inflammation of the choroid and retina) [13].
• Anti-VEGF agents: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, such as ranibizumab (Lucentis), aflibercept (Eylea), and bevacizumab, are being evaluated for the treatment of disorders of choroidal circulation, including chorioretinal scar [8].
• Ganciclovir and other antiviral medications: Ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir are parenteral therapies approved for initial induction and maintenance therapy of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, which can cause chorioretinal scar [9].
• Thermal laser treatments: Thermal laser treatments have been used to treat chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), a condition that can lead to chorioretinal scar [7].

It's essential to note that the effectiveness of these treatment options may vary depending on individual cases and the underlying cause of the chorioretinal scar. A healthcare professional, such as an ophthalmologist or eye care provider, should be consulted for personalized advice and treatment.

References:

[8] Angiogenesis inhibitors (eg, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, pegaptanib, aflibercept) are being evaluated for the treatment of disorders of choroidal circulation. [9] Ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir are parenteral therapies approved for initial induction and maintenance therapy of CMV retinitis. [13] Treatment for chorioretinitis may help to preserve vision. Chorioretinitis treatment may include: ... Corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone pills, to treat the inflammation in the choroid and retina ... [7] A thermal laser treatment has been used to treat chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), a condition that can lead to chorioretinal scar.

A chorioretinal scar can be caused by various factors, including old infections or injuries, and in some cases, the source may remain unknown. When diagnosing a chorioretinal scar, it's essential to consider several differential diagnoses.

Possible Causes:

• Posterior vitreous detachment
• Retinal detachment
• Macular disease
• Intraocular foreign body
• Choroidal dystrophy

According to [1], the differential diagnosis should be made under the direction of the responsible physician. These images were taken on the latest ultra-widefield optomap devices.

Other Conditions:

• Ocular toxoplasmosis, which can present as a chorioretinal scar during the inactive stage [8]
• Idiopathic multifocal chorioretinitis and panuveitis
• Sarcoidosis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Initial presentations of serpiginous choroiditis

In some cases, the