Choroidal nevi in children: prevalence, age of onset, and progression.

Purpose To determine the age of onset and prevalence of choroidal nevi in children. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the fundus photographs of a pooled sample of children 6 months to 18 years of age with 6-year longitudinal follow-up who participated in the Sydney Paediatric Eye Disease Study, Sydney Myopia Study, and the Sydney Adolescent Vascular Eye Disease Study were reviewed. Prevalence by age, clinical features, and longitudinal follow-up assessment was undertaken. Results Of 5,533 children (7,059 examinations), 48 children with a choroidal nevus were identified. Prevalence increased with age: Conclusions In our study cohort, the prevalence of choroidal nevi increased with age up to 18 years. The distribution and prevalence of choroidal melanocytic lesions reported herein can be used for designing population-based studies in children that incorporate emerging imaging technologies.