National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Punctate inner choroidopathy


Other Names:
PIC; Punctate inner choroiditis; Multifocal inner choroiditis
Categories:
Punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) is an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the choroid (vascular layer) of the eye. It most commonly occurs in young, near-sighted (myopic) women. The symptoms and severity may vary from person to person. Symptoms may include a blind spot (scotomata), blurred vision, photopsia (perceived flashes of light), floaters, light sensitivity (photophobia), distorted vision, and/or loss of peripheral vision. The majority of cases are self-limited (resolving on their own) with good visual prognosis, but permanent, severe visual loss can occur as a result of inflammation and complications such as growth of additional blood vessels (neovascularization) and scarring.[1][2]

The exact cause of PIC is not known, but it is thought to involve both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. It is proposed to be an autoimmune disease in which multiple genes interact with each other and an environmental "trigger" (such as an infection or stress) to cause a person to develop PIC.[1][2]

Treatment is challenging and depends on the course of the disease and whether complications arise. The majority of people with PIC who do not have neovascularization do not require treatment. For those who develop complications or have a more severe disease course, treatment may involve local or systemic corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive therapies, intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and/or surgery.[1][2]
Last updated: 7/18/2018

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Punctate inner choroidopathy. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Punctate inner choroidopathy. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  • I would like to know just how rare punctate inner choroidopathy is. It seems so hard to find the info - and I know more in the 2 weeks since my diagnosis than my eye specialist does. See answer


  1. Amer R, Lois N. Punctate inner choroidopathy. Survey of Ophthalmology. Jan-Feb 2011; 56(1):36-53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21056447.
  2. Ahnood D, Madhusudhan S, Tsaloumas MD, Waheed NK, Keane PA, Denniston AK. Punctate inner choroidopathy: A review. Surv Ophthalmol. March-April 2017; 62(2):113-126. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27751823.