Birdshot retinochoroidopathy (BR) is a rare, inflammatory condition of the retina and choroid, the layer of blood vessels under the retina. BR is a chronic disease that flares up and then goes into remission. Although some people eventually lose vision, others maintain or recover good vision.

The cause of BR 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 angiography, a test used to evaluate the retina and choroid, detects BR’s 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.

(c) 2007 The American Academy of Ophthalmology