SERPIGINOUS CHOROIDOPATHY

Serpiginous choroidopathy is bilateral albeit asymmetrical affecting people in their 30's to 50's. It affects men more than women and is associated with HLA-B7. It is chronic and episodic.

The patient may experience blurred vision or metamorphopsia in one or both eyes.

50% of the eyes have vitritis with possible mild anterior uveitis. The lesions are yellowish, first appearing around the optic disc and then spread toward the macula. Choroidal and RPE atrophy then develops over time.

Treatment may be disappointing. Some doctors use steroids, azathioprine, or cyclosporin in an effort to limit recurrence. 50-75% of patients developo vision loss. 25% develop choroidal neovascularization.