Chorioretinitis
Chorioretinitis is an inflammation of the choroid and the retina of the eye. It is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly. Chorioretinitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and trauma.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Chorioretinitis can be caused by several different factors, including:
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can all lead to chorioretinitis. Common infectious agents include Toxoplasma gondii, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus.
- Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as sarcoidosis, Behçet's disease, and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease can cause chorioretinitis.
- Trauma: Physical injury to the eye can result in inflammation of the choroid and retina.
- Systemic diseases: Diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis can also lead to chorioretinitis.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The symptoms of chorioretinitis can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the inflammation. Common symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Floaters
- Eye pain
- Redness of the eye
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Decreased vision
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of chorioretinitis typically involves a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Fundus photography: To capture detailed images of the retina and choroid.
- Fluorescein angiography: To visualize blood flow in the retina and choroid.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): To obtain cross-sectional images of the retina.
- Blood tests: To identify underlying infections or autoimmune conditions.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The treatment of chorioretinitis depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments include:
- Antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals: To treat infectious causes.
- Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation.
- Immunosuppressive drugs: For autoimmune-related chorioretinitis.
- Laser therapy: In some cases, laser treatment may be used to repair retinal damage.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for chorioretinitis varies depending on the cause and the promptness of treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for preventing permanent vision loss. Regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist is essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD