Choroidal diseases - specialists and information

Thechoroid of the eye is located in the middle layer of the eyeball wall. For the most part, it surrounds the vitreous body of the eye. It supplies the retina and the adjacent skin layers with nutrients. Diseases of the choroid, such as choroiditis or tumors, can lead to visual impairment.

Below you will find further information and selected specialists for choroidal diseases.

Anatomy and structure of the choroid

The choroid is a tissue with a very strong blood supply and is made up of collagen, melanocytes, fibrocytes and blood vessels. Collagen, a so-called structural protein, is mainly found in the connective tissue of the choroid.

The structure of the human eye

Melanocytes are the cells that form pigments for the skin. Fibrocytes are immobile cells of the connective tissue.

The choroid of the eye consists of the following layers:

• Lamina suprachor oidea: The lamina suprachor oidea consists of an elastic connective tissue and pigmented connective tissue cells. They line the outermost layer of the choroid of the eye.
• 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 important for the choroid of the eye.
• Lamina chor oidocapillaris: The lamina chor oidocapillaris is also important for the choroid and connects directly to the retina. It surrounds a vascular network and can thus ensure the nourishment of the retina (outer layers) with nutrients. This is one of the main tasks of the choroid.
• Lamina basalis: The lamina basalis is important for establishing a connection to the retina (inner layer of the eye).

Diseases of the choroid of the eye

The choroid of the eye contains no pain fibers. This means that pain can only be felt when the pressure of the choroid of the eye increases or adjacent areas of the choroid become diseased. This may include tumors, which are often only discovered by chance.

A disease of the choroid can lead to visual impairment . However, a prognosis is only possible once the disease has been diagnosed more precisely. Whitish and edematous foci (dropsy) may occur. There is swelling of the tissue around the choroid of the eye. Pus may also be secreted (exudation), either fibrinous or cellular, into the vitreous body.

If the choroid of the eye is inflamed, experts call this "chorioiditis". A disease or inflammation of the choroid should not be underestimated and definitely requires treatment by an ophthalmologist.

The choroid can also be affected by tumors. Malignant melanoma of the choroid is the most common intraocular primary malignancy in adults. Due to its potentially life-threatening nature, urgent presentation at an ophthalmooncology center is required. Treatment options may include radiotherapy as well as surgical measures. The care of these patients must always be interdisciplinary.