Living with Birdshot chorioretinopathy
An eye condition with painless light-colored spots on the retina that can affect vision to different degrees.
Understanding Birdshot chorioretinopathy
Effects on vision vary. Some people are mildly affected, while others have a noticeable decline in vision, floaters (small specks in the line of sight), and night blindness. It usually begins in adults and older adults. It is suspected to be an autoimmune disease.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Blurred vision or vision loss
- Floaters (small specks)
- Sensitivity to light
- Enlarged blind spot
- Cloudy lens (cataract)
- Swelling in the center of the retina
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Global Autoimmune Institute may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Global Autoimmune Institute
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Global Autoimmune Institute and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The cause is currently unknown, but it is suspected to be an autoimmune disease.
Also known as: birdshot chorioretinitis; birdshot choroidal lesions; birdshot laesions; birdshot lesions; birdshot retinochoroiditis; birdshot retinochoroidopathy
Patient organizations
- Global Autoimmune InstituteBirdshot chorioretinopathy · United States
- Birdshot Uveitis Society of North AmericaBirdshot chorioretinopathy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Birdshot chorioretinopathy.
Explore research for Birdshot chorioretinopathy
Explore actively recruiting Birdshot chorioretinopathy studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Birdshot chorioretinopathy with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Birdshot chorioretinopathy studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Birdshot chorioretinopathy
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Birdshot chorioretinopathy experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.