The choroid (Choroidea) is located in the middle layer of the eyeball wall. It largely surrounds the vitreous body of the eye. It supplies the retina and the adjacent layers of tissue with nutrients. Diseases of the choroid, such as choroiditis or tumors, can lead to visual disturbances.
Below you will find further information as well as a selection of specialists in choroidal diseases.
Anatomy and Structure of the Choroid
The choroid is a highly vascularized tissue composed of collagen, melanocytes, fibroblasts, and blood vessels. Collagen, a so-called structural protein, is found primarily in the connective tissue of the choroid.
The Structure of the Human Eye
Melanocytes are the cells that produce pigments for the skin. Fibroblasts are immobile cells of the connective tissue.
The choroid of the eye consists of the following layers:
- Lamina suprachoroidea: The lamina suprachoroidea consists of elastic connective tissue and pigmented connective tissue cells. These cells line the outermost layer of the choroid.
- Lamina vasculosa: The lamina vasculosa is part of the outer vascular layer and contains veins and arteries. Embedded in connective tissue, it is heavily pigmented and plays an important role in the choroid of the eye.
- Lamina choroidocapillaris: The lamina choroidocapillaris is also important for the choroid and is directly adjacent to the retina. It surrounds a network of blood vessels and thus ensures the supply of nutrients to the retina (outer layers). This is one of the choroid’s primary functions.
- Lamina basalis: The lamina basalis is important for establishing a connection to the retina (inner layer of the eye).
Diseases of the choroid
The choroid of the eye contains no pain fibers. This means that pain is only felt when pressure within the choroid increases or when adjacent areas of the choroid become diseased. This may include tumors, which are often discovered only by chance.
A disease of the choroid can lead to visual disturbances. However, a prognosis is only possible once the disease has been diagnosed more precisely. In some cases, whitish and edematous lesions (swelling) may occur. Swelling of the tissue occurs around the choroid of the eye. Furthermore, pus discharge (exudation) may occur, which is either fibrinous or cellular in nature and into the vitreous body.
When the choroid of the eye is inflamed, experts refer to this as “choroiditis.” A disease or inflammation of the choroid should not be underestimated and requires treatment by an ophthalmologist in all cases.
The choroid can also be affected by tumors. Malignant choroidal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Due to its potentially life-threatening nature, urgent referral to an ophthalmic oncology center is required. Treatment options may include radiation therapy as well as surgical procedures. The care of these patients must always be interdisciplinary.
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