Diagnosis includes dilated fundus examination to rule out posterior uveitis, which presents with white spots across the retina along with retinitis and vasculitis.

Laboratory testing is usually used to diagnose specific underlying diseases, including rheumatologic tests (e.g. antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor <-- error) and serology for infectious diseases (Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, Tuberculosis).

Major histocompatibility antigen testing may be performed to investigate genetic susceptibility to uveitis. The most common antigens include HLA-B27, HLA-A29 (in birdshot chorioretinopathy) and HLA-B51 (in Behçet disease).

Radiology X-ray may be used to show coexisting arthritis and chest X-ray may be helpful in sarcoidosis.

Diagnosis of ARN is outlined by the American Uveitis Society. Though most diagnosis's of ARN are made by clinical features, a physician may take a vitreous sample and have it tested for herpes markers. Common lab tests that are run on the sample include a viral culture, viral PCR, direct/indirect immunofluorescence, viral antibody measurement.

The American Uveitis Society has established the following guidelines for ARN diagnosis:

1. Retinal necrosis with one or more focus points borders in the peripheral retina

2. In the absence of antiviral treatment, the condition progresses rapidly

3. Spreading to the surroundings

4. Buildup of blood vessels

5. Inflammation of the vitreous.

Diagnosis of PIC can be difficult because the appearance may be similar to other conditions and types of posterior uveitis, especially other forms of the so called white dot syndromes. The diagnosis is made by eliminating all the other possibilities by careful examination by an experienced ophthalmologist, aided with visual field testing and Fluorescein angiography (an intra-venous dye used to show the blood vessels at the back of the eye).

It is important that the correct diagnosis is made because treatment may be quite different for apparently similar conditions.

The prognosis is generally good for those who receive prompt diagnosis and treatment, but serious complication including cataracts, glaucoma, band keratopathy, macular edema and permanent vision loss may result if left untreated. The type of uveitis, as well as its severity, duration, and responsiveness to treatment or any associated illnesses, all factor into the outlook.

Chorioretinitis is usually treated with a combination of corticosteroids and antibiotics. However, if there is an underlying cause such as HIV, specific therapy can be started as well.

A 2012 Cochrane Review found weak evidence suggesting that ivermectin could result in reduced chorioretinal lesions in patients with onchocercal eye disease. More research is needed to support this finding.

What happens with PIC depends a lot on the presence or absence of an important complication, Choroidal neovascularization (known as CNV).

Often, the inflammation in PIC is self limiting, not always requiring treatment.

However treatment is advised if there are many active or central lesions, or if there are signs of CNV.

In a study done published by the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the cases of ARN/BARN reported in 2001-2002 in the UK, Varicella Zoster Virus was the most common culprit for the disease and presented mostly in men than in women.

Researchers have also looked at two cases of ARN in patients who have been diagnosed with an immunodeficiency virus. The disease presented itself more so in the outer retina until it progressed far enough to then affect the inner retina. The patients were not so responsive to the antiviral agents given to them through an IV, acyclovir specifically. The cases progressed to retinal detachment. The patients tested positive for the herpes virus. Researchers are now wondering if this type of ARN is specific to those who have the immunodeficiency virus.

Ophthalmic examination may reveal neovascularization (creation of new vessels in the retina), retinal vessel narrowing, retinal vessel cuffing, retinal hemorrhage, or possible vitritis (inflammation of the vitreous body) or choroiditis (inflammation of the choroid).

In this condition the posterior uveitis shows a geographic pattern. The inflammation begins in the juxtapapillary choroid and intermittently spreads centrifugally. The overlying retinal pigment epithelium and the outer retina are involved in the inflammatory process.

A closely related condition is multifocal serpiginoid choroiditis. This is caused by tuberculosis.

The distinction between these two conditions is important as the latter responds to anti tuberculosis treatment while the former does not.

Retinal vasculitis is very rare as the only presenting symptom. Often there is sufficient systemic evidence to help the physician decide between any one of the aforementioned possible systemic diseases. For those patients who present with only vasculitis of the retinal vessels, great investigative effort (Chest X-ray, blood test, urinary analysis, vascular biopsy, ophthalmology assessment, etc.) should be undertaken to ensure that a systemic disease is not the hidden culprit.

Serpiginous choroiditis, also known as geographic or helicoid choroidopathy, is an uncommon chronic progressive inflammatory disease affecting adult men and women equally in the second to seventh decades of life.

Chorioretinitis is often caused by toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus infections (mostly seen in immunodeficient subjects such as people with HIV or on immunosuppressant drugs). Congenital toxoplasmosis via transplacental transmission can also lead to sequelae such as chorioretinitis along with hydrocephalus and cerebral calcifications. Other possible causes of chorioretinitis are syphilis, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, Behcet's disease, onchocerciasis, or West Nile virus. Chorioretinitis may also occur in presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS); despite its name, the relationship of POHS to "Histoplasma" is controversial.

Blurry vision, mild pain in the eyeballs, as well as small yellow, grey, and white spots may begin to appear on the retina.

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) primarily occurs in adults (with a mean age of 27). Symptoms include blurred vision in both eyes, but the onset may occur at a different time in each eye. There are yellow-white placoid lesions in the posterior pole at the level of the RPE. Some suggest a genetic predisposition to the disease, while others postulate an abnormal immune response to a virus.

Specific characteristics regarding the white dots and predicted etiology are presented of selected diseases.

Multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis (MCP) is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology affecting the choroid, retina, and vitreous of the eye that presents asymmetrically, most often in young myopic women with photopsias, enlargement of the physiologic blind spot and decreased vision.

The first description of the disease was written in 1973.

This is a partial list of human eye diseases and disorders.

The World Health Organization publishes a classification of known diseases and injuries, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, or ICD-10. This list uses that classification.

The following are not classified as diseases of the eye and adnexa (H00-H59) by the World Health Organization:

- (B36.1) Keratomycosis — fungal infection of the cornea

- (E50.6-E50.7) Xerophthalmia — dry eyes, caused by vitamin A deficiency

- (Q13.1) Aniridia — a rare congenital eye condition leading to underdevelopment or even absence of the iris of the eye

Dry (nonexudative, > 80%)—deposition of yellowish extracellular material in and between bruch membrane and retinal pigment epithelium (“drusen”) with gradual loss in vision.

Wet (exudative, 10–15%)—rapid loss of vision due to bleeding secondary to choroidal neovascularization.

Metamorphopsia is a type of distorted vision in which a grid of straight lines appears wavy and parts of the grid may appear blank. People with this condition often first notice this when looking at mini-blinds in their home.

It is mainly associated with macular degeneration, particularly age-related macular degeneration with choroidal neovascularization. Other conditions that can present with complaints of metamorphopsia include pathological myopia, presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, choroidal rupture and multifocal choroiditis.

Distortion of vision refers to straight lines not appearing straight, but instead bent, crooked, or wavy. Usually this is caused by distortion of the retina itself. This distortion can herald a loss of vision in macular degeneration, so anyone with distorted vision should seek medical attention by an ophthalmologist promptly. Other conditions leading to swelling of the retina can cause this distortion, such as macular edema and central serous chorioretinopathy.

An Amsler grid can be supplied by an ophthalmologist so that the vision can be monitored for distortion in people who may be predisposed to this problem.

Tunnel vision implies that the peripheral vision, or side vision, is lost, while the central vision remains. Thus, the vision is like looking through a tunnel, or through a paper towel roll. Some disorders that can cause this include:

Glaucoma - severe glaucoma can result in loss of nearly all of the peripheral vision, with a small island of central vision remaining. Sometimes even this island of vision can be lost as well.

Retinitis pigmentosa - This is usually a hereditary disorder which can be part of numerous syndromes. It is more common in males. The peripheral retina develops pigmentary deposits, and the peripheral vision gradually becomes worse and worse. The central vision can be affected eventually as well. People with this problem may have trouble getting around in the dark. Cataract can be a complication as well. There is no known treatment for this disorder, and supplements of Vitamin A have not been proven to help.

Punctate Inner Choroidopathy - This condition is where vessels gro (( material is missing ))

Stroke - a stroke involving both sides of the visual part of the brain may wipe out nearly all of the peripheral vision. Fortunately, this is a very rare occurrence

Distorted vision is a symptom with several different possible causes.

Photopsia is the presence of perceived flashes of light. It is most commonly associated with posterior vitreous detachment, migraine with aura, migraine aura without headache, retinal break or detachment, occipital lobe infarction, and sensory deprivation (ophthalmo"pathic" hallucinations). Vitreous shrinkage or liquefaction, which are the most common causes of photopsia, cause a pull in vitreoretinal attachments, irritating the retina and causing it to discharge electrical impulses. These impulses are interpreted by the brain as 'flashes'.

This condition has also been identified as a common initial symptom of Punctate inner choroiditis (PIC), a rare retinal autoimmune disease believed to be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying the retina. During pregnancy, new-onset photopsia is concerning for severe preeclampsia.

Photopsia can present as retinal detachment when examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. However, it can also be a sign of Uveal melanoma. This condition is extremely rare (5–7 per 1 million people will be affected, typically fair-skinned, blue-eyed northern Europeans). Photopsia should be investigated immediately.