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¹Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
²Standard Chartered-LVPEI Academy for Eye Care Education, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
³Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, Y S Rajasekhara Reddy Campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Kadapa, India DOI : 10.37845/ret.vit.2025.34.25 Choroidal effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid or blood in the suprachoroidal space and encompass serous, hemorrhagic, and idiopathic (uveal effusion syndrome) variants. They remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Advances in imaging and surgical techniques have refined understanding of their pathogenesis, which is governed by intraocular fluid dynamics, Starling?s law, and alterations in choroidal and scleral permeability. Serous effusions commonly occur after intraocular surgery, particularly glaucoma and cataract procedures, and may also be associated with inflammatory, vascular, neoplastic, and drug-induced causes. Hemorrhagic detachments, arising intraoperatively, postoperatively, after trauma, or spontaneously, particularly in eyes with systemic anticoagulation or fragile vasculature. Uveal effusion syndrome is rare, often linked with nanophthalmos or scleral abnormalities, and manifests as recurrent ciliochoroidal detachment with secondary exudative retinal detachment. Clinical features range from asymptomatic peripheral detachments to acute painful vision loss with expulsive hemorrhage. Diagnosis is largely clinical, aided by B-scan ultrasonography, ultrasound biomicroscopy, fluorescein and indocyanine angiography, and enhanced-depth OCT. Management is etiology-directed: many serous effusions resolve conservatively, while hemorrhagic detachments may necessitate timely drainage, vitreoretinal surgery, or adjuvant techniques such as viscoelastic-assisted drainage or perfluorocarbon liquids. Prognosis is generally favorable for serous effusions but guarded in massive hemorrhagic detachments, particularly with prolonged appositional choroidals or associated retinal detachment. This review consolidates current understanding of the types, pathophysiology, presentations, diagnostic tools, and management strategies for choroidal effusions, underscoring the importance of early recognition and tailored intervention. Keywords : choroidal effusion, choroidal detachment, suprachoroidal hemorrhage, drainage