Choroidal Nevi (Eye Freckles)—Should I Worry About Them?
Your eyes say a lot about your health, sometimes even revealing hidden conditions beneath the surface. One example is a choroidal nevus, often described as a “freckle” in the back of the eye. At Retina Consultants, P.C., we see many patients with these spots, and most of the time, they are completely harmless. Still, monitoring them closely is essential since, in rare cases, they can develop into something more serious.
What is a choroidal nevus?
Just like you can develop a mole or a freckle on your nose or cheek, it can also grow inside the eye. A choroidal nevus (plural: nevi) is a flat, pigmented spot that forms in the choroidal layer. These nevi are often discovered during a routine dilated eye exam or retinal imaging, and most people are unaware they have one.
Choroidal nevi affects about 10% of the population. They can appear in different colors, including brown, grey, yellow, or multi-colored. Most nevi are benign (non-cancerous) and don’t cause symptoms. However, if a nevus starts to change in size, thickness, or appearance, it can be a sign of a more serious condition.
What are the symptoms of a choroidal nevus?
Choroidal nevi typically don’t present any symptoms. In fact, most patients are unaware they have them until they are detected during a routine eye exam. Although rare, a choroidal nevus may present symptoms like:
- Eye floaters
- Vision changes in your peripheral or central vision
These symptoms are also associated with severe eye conditions, including retinal detachment. See your eye doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms that compromise your vision.
Can a choroidal nevus turn into cancer?
In most cases, no. The majority of choroidal nevi stay stable for a lifetime. However, a small percentage—roughly 1 in 9,000—can transform into choroidal melanoma, a type of eye cancer.
Certain features make a choroidal nevus more suspicious. These include:
- Growth in size or thickness
- Presence of orange pigment
- Leakage of fluid under the retina
- Visual changes, such as blurred or distorted vision
- Location close to the optic nerve
- Rapid growth of the choroid nevus
If your eye doctor identifies any of these warning signs, they’ll likely recommend close monitoring or further diagnostic imaging to rule out malignancy. Early detection makes a big difference in successful outcomes.
Does a choroidal nevus need treatment?
Benign choroidal nevi that remain stable usually require no treatment—just regular monitoring. Our doctors recommend annual screenings for nevi that pose no clinical risk. However, those with more risk require close monitoring every 4-6 months.
If a nevus shows signs of growth or becomes suspicious, treatment may be needed to prevent it from turning into melanoma. Treatment options include laser therapy, which targets abnormal cells. Radiation and cryotherapy could be required if your choroidal nevus turns into melanoma.
Because choroidal nevi usually cause no symptoms, they are often found by chance. That’s why routine eye exams are essential, even if your vision seems fine. Early detection and ongoing monitoring help ensure any changes are caught before they become a serious concern.
Do I need to visit a retina specialist in the Harford area?
Have you been diagnosed with a choroidal nevus? Don’t worry, but don’t ignore it either. At Retina Consultants, P.C., our experienced team provides comprehensive monitoring and advanced care for all retinal conditions, including suspicious choroidal nevi.
Book an appointment at any of our five offices:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
