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A retinal scar is an area of fibrosis and pigment change on the retina, often described as a chorioretinal scar when the choroid is also involved. It forms after retinal tissue heals from injury, infection, inflammation, or bleeding. Many scars remain stable and do not change much over time. Vision impact depends on whether the scar involves the macula or sits in the far peripheral retina.
read more about retinal scar ...Infections such as ocular toxoplasmosis can leave a chorioretinal scar after the active infection resolves. Inflammation inside the eye can also scar retinal tissue, especially after repeated flares. Trauma to the back of the eye, including blunt injury, can heal with scarring in damaged areas. Laser treatment for retinal tears or diabetic retinopathy can create intentional retinal scars used to reduce future bleeding risk. Old bleeding under the retina and past retinal detachment repair can also leave scarred areas that show up on a dilated exam.
Many retinal scars cause no symptoms when located away from the macula. When a scar affects the macula, symptoms can include a fixed blurred spot or missing area in central vision. Distortion can occur if the scar changes the contour of macular layers. Some people notice reduced contrast or difficulty reading that does not fully improve with a new prescription. New floaters or flashing lights usually point to a different active problem and should be checked promptly.
A dilated retina exam often identifies a scar as a patch of pigment change or fibrotic tissue. Fundus photography helps document size and location for comparison at future visits. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) shows how deep the scar sits and whether the macula has swelling or traction. Fluorescein angiography can be used when abnormal vessel growth or leakage is suspected near the scar. History helps guide the cause, such as past infection, trauma, or prior laser therapy.
Most retinal scars do not need direct treatment because scar tissue itself does not reverse. Treatment focuses on any active disease linked to the scar, such as inflammation, infection relapse, or new leaking vessels near the scar edge. Anti-VEGF injections can be used when a scar is linked with choroidal or macular neovascular growth that leaks or bleeds. Vision rehab strategies and magnification tools can help when a central scar limits reading. Regular follow-up helps watch for new leakage, swelling, or bleeding that changes symptoms.
A retinal scar generally does not go away because it is healed fibrotic tissue. Vision can feel more stable over time as the eye adapts, but the scar remains visible on exam. Care focuses on preventing new active disease around it.
Many scars stay stable for years. Worsening symptoms can happen if new inflammation starts nearby or if abnormal vessels develop at the scar margin. New distortion or a new central spot should be checked soon.
No. A scar in the peripheral retina may not be noticed at all. A scar involving the macula is more likely to affect reading and fine detail vision. Location is the main factor that predicts impact.
What is a chorioretinal scar?. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/chorioretinal-scar. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome. EyeWiki. https://eyewiki.org/Presumed_Ocular_Histoplasmosis_Syndrome. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Toxoplasmosis. EyeWiki. https://eyewiki.org/Toxoplasmosis. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493182/. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.
Ocular Toxoplasmosis: A Refresher. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/ocular-toxoplasmosis-a-refresher. Date Accessed February 4, 2026.