Choroidal Nevus

Overview

Just as moles (skin nevi) can be found on the skin, they can also occur inside the eye. When they are found within the choroid layer of the eye, they are known as choroidal nevi (singular: choroidal nevus). A choroidal nevus is a benign, pigmented patch of tissue that may or may not be elevated. Choroidal nevi are rare (they occur in about 5% of the population) and are likely only ever seen by eyecare professionals when they look inside the eye using specialized instruments known as ophthalmoscopes.

In the same way that nevi on the skin have the potential to become cancerous, so too do choroidal nevi: a choroidal nevus does have the potential to develop into a malignant melanoma. For this reason, any person who has a choroidal nevus should be closely monitored for any growth. Usually this simply entails a regular yearly visit to the eye doctor.

Signs & Symptoms of Choroidal Nevus

A choroidal nevus has no impact on vision, so for the most part, it is completely asymptomatic and often only discovered by chance when a person visits their optometrist for a regular eye exam.

A choroidal nevus that becomes malignant may produce symptoms, which include distorted vision (metamorphopsia), flashes of light (photopsia), and floaters.

Choroidal Nevus Treatment

A choroidal nevus will be left alone as long as it is benign. Aside from monitoring, there is usually no need to take further steps or to remove it. One of the best tools that optometrists have for monitoring a choroidal nevus is a fundus camera, which takes a picture of the inside of the eye. By having a picture of the choroidal nevus on file, an optometrist can compare the size and elevation of a nevus to ensure that it is not growing.

In case a choroidal nevus does become malignant, it becomes the responsibility of an ophthalmologist or an eye-tumor specialist to treat the patient. Specialized treatment varies among individuals.

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