Diagnosis and Management of Choroidal Effusions

horoidal effusion—an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the suprachoroidal space—is a common complication of glaucoma surgery. However, this may arise from other intraocular surgeries and a number of conditions, including inflammatory and infectious diseases, trauma, neoplasms, drug reactions, and venous congestion. Idiopathic causes fall under the umbrella of uveal effusion syndrome, a rare condition usually considered a diagnosis of exclusion. A note on nomenclature: Various terms are used interchangeably in the literature to describe an abnormal collection of fluid in the suprachoroidal space, including ciliochoroidal effusion, ciliochoroidal detachment, and choroidal detachment. For purposes of clarity, this review uses the term choroidal effusion(s). Hypotony is the main cause of f luid accumulation in the suprachoroidal space after glaucoma surgery, although inflammation and venous congestion may also be contributing factors. Choroidal effusion further exacerbates hypotony by reducing aqueous humor production and, possibly, by increasing uveoscleral outflow. This review will discuss various aspects of choroidal effusions, with an emphasis on clinical presentation, management, and prevention.