Choroidal Nevus

What is a Choroidal Nevus?

A choroidal nevus is the name given to a spot, freckle or mole that appears inside the eye or on the eye's surface. Sometimes detected during a dilated eye examination, these pigmented spots are usually flat and slate-greyish in color. Choroidal nevi are commonly found in the choroid, a blood vessel-rich layer lying between the retina and the sclera. Although they are not necessarily a "normal" finding in our eyes, they are quite common and may not represent anything wrong with the eye. Nevi vary from patient to patient but most look very similar and have certain traits that eye doctors are very familiar with. Your doctor will document this finding in your chart if it is detected during a routine eye exam.

Are Nevi Dangerous?

Choroidal nevi are not usually harmful. However, just like a freckle on your skin, if it changes in color, size or shape, you should let your doctor or a dermatologist know about it. It is difficult to observe a freckle in your own eye. You should follow your eye doctor’s recommendations on when to come back or how to observe it in the future.

Typical treatment involves taking a digital photograph for documentation. Your doctor will then schedule you to come back in 3 to 6 months to look for possible changes. If your doctor has seen you for several years, then he or she may feel comfortable monitoring the nevus every 12 months. If it appears unusual, however, you may be asked to return in a shorter period of time. Occasionally, certain diagnostic tests may be ordered, or you may be referred to a retinal specialist for a second opinion.

Possible Complications

Choriodal nevi are benign, however, your eye doctor is trained to watch closely for the development of a choroidal melanoma, a tumor found in the eye. In rare cases, the nevus must be biopsied and examined for melanoma (cancer) cells. Choroidal melanomas are malignant tumors and must be treated.
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Choroidal Nevus

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