suprachoroidal

Suprachoroidal is a medical term describing the suprachoroidal space, a potential space in the eye between the sclera and the choroid. Normally collapsed, the space can distend and fill with fluid, blood, or inflammatory exudate in disease, producing a choroidal detachment or effusion. The space lies around the posterior segment of the globe and can extend circumferentially.

Clinically, suprachoroidal hemorrhage is a known complication of ocular surgery or blunt trauma and can cause rapid pain and vision loss. Suprachoroidal effusion or detachment refers to accumulation of fluid in the space and can accompany hypotony or intraocular inflammation. In medicine, the suprachoroidal space is also explored as a route for targeted drug delivery to the posterior segment. Suprachoroidal injections or implants deliver corticosteroids, anti-VEGF agents, or other medications directly to the back of the eye, potentially reducing systemic exposure. Delivery is often achieved with specialized microneedles or cannulas. Imaging methods such as B-scan ultrasonography or anterior segment imaging can identify suprachoroidal fluid or hemorrhage, and management ranges from observation for small effusions to surgical drainage for larger or symptomatic cases.