Birdshot Chorioretinopathy

Birdshot retinochoroidopathy (BSCR) is a rare, inflammatory condition of the retina and choroid, the layer of blood vessels under the retina. BSCR is a chronic disease that can cause visual impairment if not monitored. Most patients require treatment, which typically involves immunosuppressive medications to prevent vision loss. Although some people eventually lose vision, others maintain or recover good vision with therapy.

The cause of BSCR is unknown. It usually occurs in white women over the age of 40, and usually affects both eyes. Symptoms are poor vision, night blindness, and disturbance of color vision. Pain is rare.

Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, are tests used to evaluate the retina and choroid. Clinically BSCR has characteristic cream-colored spots, similar in appearance to the splattered pattern of birdshot from a shotgun.

If you have been diagnosed with birdshot retinochoroidopathy, it is important to see your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) regularly.