Choroidal nevus is a benign discoloration in the eye that can sometimes become malignant. Regular eye exams are recommended, and changes in size, shape, or texture should be monitored. Treatment is usually unnecessary. Patients should inform their doctors of any known nevi and obtain medical records when changing providers.
A choroidal nevus is an area of benign discoloration in the eye. It can usually only be seen with the assistance of specialized equipment of the type used in eye exams. Choroidal nevi can sometimes become malignant, with malignant tumors occurring in about one in every 20,000 cases. There are no treatments available, and treatment is usually not necessary under any circumstances, because choroidal nevus usually has no adverse effects on the patient.
Nevus is a term that people may be more familiar with in the form of the word “freckle.” Just like the skin, the eyes contain cells that produce pigment, and these cells can cause freckles to develop inside the eye, just like they do on the skin. The freckle will appear when a doctor examines the eye, but should otherwise be unobtrusive. A nevus is not the same as a discoloration in the iris of the eye which can look like a freckle.
Ophthalmologists usually identify nevi during routine exams. The general recommendation to a patient is to do nothing but attend regular follow-up eye exams, ideally every year. During these tests, your doctor may check the choroidal nevus to see if it has changed in shape, size, or texture. If changes are observed, a more aggressive tack can be used to determine what is happening inside the eye and why.
A patient who knows they have a choroidal nevus should be sure to discuss it with their eye doctors before their appointments. Knowing in advance will allow the doctor to specifically look for the nevus and alert the doctor to the fact that the patient is aware of and pursuing continued monitoring or treatment so that changes can be addressed if they occur. When patients change care providers, it’s also a good idea to obtain a copy of the patient’s medical record to take to a new doctor, as it will include information about when the choroidal nevus was first identified and whether or not they were noticed changes .
Many people have a choroidal nevus and remain blissfully unaware, either because they don’t get regular eye exams or because the little discoloration is missed during an eye exam. For those who do, the literal eye freckle isn’t a major cause for concern, although it’s a good idea to be aware of it and be proactive about your eye care.
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