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Uveal scarring is permanent scar tissue that forms in uveal structures, most often seen as chorioretinal scars involving the choroid and retina. Scars can form after inflammation, infection, trauma, or certain eye procedures. Many scars are stable and only found during a dilated eye exam, but scars near the macula can affect vision. Some scars can also be a site for treatable complications such as choroidal neovascularization.
read more about uveal scarring ...Scarring develops when deeper eye tissues heal after injury or inflammation. Common causes include:
Knowing the cause helps predict whether the scar is inactive or at risk for reactivation.
Small peripheral scars may cause no symptoms. Scars near the macula can reduce central vision, contrast, or cause distortion and a fixed blind spot. Complications can include choroidal neovascularization, which may cause new fluid or bleeding. New flashes, many floaters, or a curtain-like shadow should be treated as urgent.
Diagnosis is made with a dilated retinal exam and documentation of the scar's location and size. Fundus photography helps track stability over time, and optical coherence tomography can detect fluid or macular involvement. Fluorescein angiography or other angiography may be used when choroidal neovascularization is suspected. Imaging also helps distinguish inactive scars from active inflammation that needs treatment.
There is no way to remove a mature scar, so care focuses on monitoring and treating complications. If there is active inflammation, treatment targets the underlying uveitis or infection. Choroidal neovascularization is often treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections to reduce leakage and protect vision. Low-vision aids and regular follow-up can help patients function well when central scarring limits detail vision.
Yes, most established scars are permanent. Symptoms may be minimal if the scar is small or outside the macula. Follow-up is used to confirm the scar is stable.
Yes, especially if choroidal neovascularization develops at the edge of an old scar. This can cause new distortion, central blur, or bleeding and may be treatable. Any new symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
Contact an eye care professional for new distortion, a new central dark spot, or sudden worsening vision. Seek urgent care for flashes, many new floaters, or a curtain-like shadow. These can indicate retinal tear, detachment, or bleeding.
It is commonly treated with anti-VEGF injections that reduce abnormal vessel leakage. Treatment timing matters when the macula is involved. Your retina specialist will tailor the schedule based on response.
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