A choroidal nevus is a freckle found in your eye. It is caused by a growth of melanocytes in the choroid, or the layer of the eye between the retina and the sclera. Choroidal nevi are relatively common- studies estimate that 4-8% of Caucasian people have a choroidal nevus.
A choroidal nevus can only be detected on dilated eye exam. They rarely have symptoms and cannot be seen by the patient. Nevi need to be monitored by an eye care professional, often yearly or more frequently, because a nevus can become a choroidal melanoma. 1 out of every 250,000 people will develop a choroidal melanoma. Like a melonoma of the skin, these can metastasize and can lead to death. Therefore, it is very important to maintain follow-up if you have been diagnosed with a choroidal nevus.
Your eye doctor will follow the nevus with exams and photos. There are several characteristics of nevi that are worrisome: Proximity to your optic nerve, orange pigment (lipofuscin) on the nevus, fluid surrounding the nevus, symptoms such as flashing lights, and greater than 2mm of thickness of the nevus. These characteristics make it more likely that your nevus may grow or become a melanoma. The nevi will be followed more closely by your doctor.
A choroidal nevus does not require any treatment. But, since it can become a melanoma, it is important for you to have it checked by your eye doctor regularly.
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult an eye care professional for medical advice.
