Summary about Disease
Choroidal effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid within the suprachoroidal space, the potential space between the choroid and the sclera (the white part of the eye). This fluid accumulation can lead to detachment of the choroid from the sclera. It is not a disease itself, but rather a sign of an underlying condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the effusion. Common symptoms include:
Eye pain or pressure
Blurred vision or decreased visual acuity
Peripheral vision loss
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Shallow anterior chamber
Iris displacement (in severe cases)
Causes
Choroidal effusion has multiple potential causes, including:
Post-operative: Following eye surgery (e.g., glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, vitrectomy)
Inflammatory: Uveitis, scleritis, systemic inflammatory diseases
Vascular: Elevated episcleral venous pressure, hypotony (low intraocular pressure)
Trauma: Eye injury
Neoplastic: Choroidal tumors
Medications: Certain medications can induce choroidal effusion (e.g., topiramate, acetazolamide)
Idiopathic: In some cases, no specific cause can be identified
Medicine Used
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and reducing the effusion. Medications may include:
Cycloplegics: (e.g., atropine) to relax the ciliary muscle and deepen the anterior chamber.
Corticosteroids: (topical, oral, or intravenous) to reduce inflammation.
Hyperosmotic agents: (e.g., mannitol, glycerol) to draw fluid out of the eye in severe cases.
Medications to treat underlying conditions: Specific medications would target the underlying cause (e.g., immunosuppressants for inflammatory conditions, IOP-lowering medications for glaucoma).
Is Communicable
Choroidal effusion itself is not communicable. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions depend on the underlying cause. General recommendations may include:
Adhering to prescribed medications and follow-up appointments.
Protecting the eye from further trauma.
Managing underlying medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes).
Avoiding medications known to induce choroidal effusion, if possible, and under the guidance of a doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of choroidal effusion depends entirely on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. It can range from days to weeks or even months. Resolving the underlying cause is key to resolving the effusion.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Comprehensive eye exam: Including slit-lamp examination and dilated fundus examination.
Intraocular pressure measurement: To rule out hypotony or elevated IOP.
B-scan ultrasonography: To visualize the choroidal detachment and confirm the presence of fluid.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): To assess the extent of choroidal detachment.
Imaging studies: (e.g., MRI, CT scan) may be necessary to identify underlying systemic conditions or tumors.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms can be acute (sudden) or gradual, depending on the cause. The timeline varies considerably. Post-surgical effusions may appear within days of the procedure, while inflammatory effusions may develop over weeks. The duration of symptoms also depends on the response to treatment.
Important Considerations
Choroidal effusion can lead to serious vision loss if left untreated.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause are essential.
Patients should be closely monitored for changes in vision and intraocular pressure.
Scleral buckle surgery can cause choroidal effusion.
Medications used to treat glaucoma can sometimes induce choroidal effusion