Choroidal hemangioma is a significant condition that can impact vision. Regular eye exams by our skilled retina specialists will help determine if you're at risk for vision changes. Protect your sight with early detection and expert treatment tailored to your needs.
Choroidal hemangioma is a non-cancerous growth made up of blood vessels that forms in the choroid, which is the layer of blood vessels between the retina and the white part of the eye (called the sclera). It can show up as a single, well-defined spot or as a larger, more spread-out area. The diffuse type is sometimes linked to health conditions like Sturge-Weber syndrome. Many people don’t know they have this condition until it’s found during a routine eye exam. However, it's important to understand it—especially if it starts to affect your vision.
The choroid is important because it brings blood and nutrients to the retina, which helps you see. When blood vessels in the choroid grow in an abnormal way, they form a choroidal hemangioma. This may not cause any problems at first, but it can slowly affect your vision over time. Catching it early helps prevent serious issues, protect your sight, and treat any problems before they get worse.
This condition is usually found in young to middle-aged adults. The circumscribed type (a single, round spot) is more common and usually affects just one eye. The diffuse type (more spread out) is rarer and is often seen in people who have other health conditions, like Sturge-Weber syndrome. Our retina specialists recommend regular eye exams to check for changes in your eyes and to treat anything that might affect your vision early.
In the beginning, most people with choroidal hemangioma don’t have any symptoms. Because there’s no pain or change in vision at first, the condition is often found by chance during a regular eye exam.
As the hemangioma grows or causes other problems, some people may start to notice changes in their vision. These symptoms can include:
These vision problems happen because the hemangioma can affect the retina, which is the part of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. If fluid builds up under the retina or if the retina starts to lift slightly (called a serous retinal detachment), it can disturb how the retina works, leading to these symptoms.
If you notice any of these vision changes, it’s important to see a retina specialist as soon as possible. Getting care early can help protect your sight and prevent the problem from getting worse. The good news is that with proper treatment and regular checkups, many people can manage these symptoms and keep their vision stable.
The exact cause of choroidal hemangioma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to abnormal development of blood vessels in the eye. This condition is not cancerous and usually grows slowly, if at all.
Most choroidal hemangiomas are congenital, meaning they are present from birth. These growths often remain unnoticed until adulthood, when they may be found during a routine eye exam or if vision changes occur.
Choroidal hemangiomas can occur in two forms:
The hemangioma forms when choroidal blood vessels cluster and grow abnormally, creating a raised, reddish-orange area in the back of the eye. These vessels may leak fluid, which can affect the retina and cause vision problems over time.
Diagnosing a choroidal hemangioma requires a careful and detailed examination of the eye. A combination of clinical observation and advanced imaging techniques helps provide a clear picture of the condition’s nature and extent. Here’s the thing: knowing exactly what you're dealing with is key to making informed treatment decisions. During a comprehensive eye examination, our retina specialists begin with a detailed fundus examination. By using specialized equipment to view the back of the eye, they can identify the telltale orange-red lesion indicative of a choroidal hemangioma. This visualization is often the first clue that a vascular tumor might be present.
This technique creates a cross-sectional image of the eye, revealing the dome-shaped and acoustically solid appearance of the lesion. It helps define the tumor’s size and location within the choroid.
FA is a valuable tool that tracks the flow of dye through the blood vessels. In cases of choroidal hemangioma, it typically shows an early phase of hyperfluorescence, followed by late leakage, indicating the active nature of the abnormal vessels.
This method assists in differentiating a choroidal hemangioma from other choroidal tumors by providing detailed images of the deep choroidal vasculature.
OCT is excellent for visualizing cross-sectional images of the retina. It can detect any associated retinal detachment, subretinal fluid, or changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that may result from the hemangioma.
If you're experiencing vision changes or have concerns about choroidal hemangioma, contact one of the experienced retina specialists listed with Specialty Vision. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference. Find a top ophthalmologist near you today!
Managing a choroidal hemangioma can vary depending on the symptoms present and whether the lesion is causing any visual compromise. Many patients who have a choroidal hemangioma remain asymptomatic and thus may be managed with observation and regular monitoring. However, when the lesion leads to visual disturbances—often due to associated retinal detachment or subretinal fluid—treatment becomes necessary.Our retina specialists consider several treatment options based on the type and extent of the hemangioma. Let me explain some of the commonly used approaches:
PDT is widely preferred for treating circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas. This method uses a light-activated drug and carefully targeted laser light to destroy the abnormal blood vessels within the tumor while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. Its precision helps minimize collateral damage and maintain overall vision quality.
In TTT, an infrared laser is used to carefully heat the lesion. While this method can provide some benefit, it is typically used less frequently due to the variability in outcomes. It remains one of the viable options, particularly when other treatments are not suitable.
EBRT can be effective for managing diffuse choroidal hemangiomas or in cases with extensive subretinal fluid. This treatment delivers targeted radiation to reduce the tumor’s vascularity and associated symptoms, providing relief from visual impairment.
Although less common, proton beam therapy is known for its precision. It is typically reserved for challenging cases or when the hemangioma recurs after other treatments. Its ability to deliver highly focused radiation makes it a promising option for preserving vision.
In some situations, an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) medication may be used as an adjunct treatment. This approach targets the factors that promote abnormal blood vessel growth, thereby reducing the risk of secondary complications such as choroidal neovascularization.
If you're experiencing vision changes or have concerns about choroidal hemangioma, contact one of the experienced retina specialists listed with Specialty Vision. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference. Find a top ophthalmologist near you today!
Choroidal hemangioma is a non-cancerous eye condition affecting vision. Regular check-ups are crucial for early detection and management.
