Serpiginous Choroiditis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Serpiginous Choroiditis?
The specialist who usually manages serpiginous choroiditis is a uveitis specialist, an ophthalmologist with extra training in inflammation inside the eye. Some patients also see a retina specialist. Care often involves the primary care doctor and the eye specialist working together.
What it is
Serpiginous choroiditis is a rare eye disease that affects the choroid, the layer of blood vessels behind the retina that feeds the eye. The word serpiginous means snakelike, because damaged areas spread slowly in a winding pattern. It usually starts in the part of the eye responsible for central vision and tends to come back after quiet periods, sometimes after months or years.
Symptoms
Many people notice blurred vision or a gray or blank spot in the center of what they see. Straight lines may look wavy, and some lose part of their side vision as the disease spreads. Pain and redness are not typical, so some people do not notice a problem until vision loss has already happened.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not fully understand the cause, but many believe it is related to the immune system mistakenly attacking the eye. Some studies have found links to infections such as tuberculosis. The disease is rare, most often appearing in adults between 30 and 60, and has been reported more often in people with ancestry from India and South America.
How doctors diagnose it
An eye doctor will dilate the pupil and look for the characteristic snakelike patches of damage. Fluorescein angiography, which uses an injected dye, and optical coherence tomography scans help show the pattern of injury. Because some infections can mimic this disease, doctors may also order blood tests or a skin test for tuberculosis.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to calm inflammation and slow the spread of damage. Corticosteroids, given as drops, pills, or injections near the eye, are often used, and many patients also need immunosuppressive drugs that tone down the immune system. Because the disease tends to come back, treatment may continue for a long time, and results differ from person to person.
When to see a doctor
Anyone with new blurred vision, a dark spot in the center of vision, or wavy lines should see a doctor promptly. Early treatment may help limit damage, although it cannot undo harm that has already occurred.
Direct primary care and concierge care
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. These doctors offer longer appointments and easier access, which helps when a chronic eye disease needs close monitoring. They cannot perform specialized eye imaging or injections, so they will refer the patient to a uveitis or retina specialist for that care and coordinate the rest afterward.
Common questions
Is serpiginous choroiditis curable?
There is no known cure. Treatment can calm the inflammation and may slow or stop the spread of damage, but it cannot repair areas that are already scarred.
Will I go blind?
Complete blindness is not typical, but the disease can seriously affect central vision, especially if untreated. How much vision a person keeps depends on how early treatment starts. Regular monitoring gives the best chance of protecting sight.
Can it come back after treatment?
Yes, flare-ups are common even after long quiet periods. Many patients need checkups with eye imaging for years, and new symptoms between visits should be reported quickly.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Serpiginous choroiditis
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - Diagnosis and Management of Serpiginous Choroiditis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
