Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome

OHS develops when fragile, abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the retina. These abnormal blood vessels form a lesion known as choroidal neovascularization (CNV). If left untreated, the CNV lesion can turn into scar tissue and replace the normal retinal tissue in the macula.

The initial infection subsides leaving tiny scars called "histo spots," which remain at the infection sites. Histo spots do not generally affect vision, but they can result in complications years or even decades after the original eye infection. The only proven treatment is a form of laser surgery called photocoagulation. Laser surgery will not restore vision that has already been lost, but will help prevent further loss. OHS cannot be cured. Since OHS rarely affects side, or peripheral vision, the disease does not cause total blindness.