Central Serous Retinopathy
Central serous retinopathy (CSR), also known as central serous choroidopathy (CSC), is an eye condition that develops due to an accumulation of fluid under the retina. The fluid leaks from the choroid, the blood vessel layer under the retina, into the area beneath the retina. While central serous retinopathy usually affects one eye at a time both eyes can be affected at the same time. More men, in their mid 30's to 50's, are affected with central serous retinopathy than women.
Causes of CSR
The cause of central serous retinopathy is unknown. It is believed that patients who develop CSR have been exposed to treatments or experience certain medical conditions might trigger CSR. Possible triggers may include:
- High stress/lifestyle
- Steroid medication
- Pregnancy
- Excessive caffeine use
- "Type A" personality traits
- Nasal allergies
- Asthma
- High blood pressure
Symptoms of CSR
Patients with CSR may experience the following symptoms:
- Blurred or dimmed vision
- Blind spots
- Distorted shapes
- Decreased visual sharpness
- Loss of depth perception
This can greatly interfere with reading, driving and other normal activities, and may affect a patient's quality of life throughout the duration of the condition.
Treatment of CSR
In most cases, treatment for CSR is not required; the condition improves on its own over a period of one to two months without treatment. Patients will need to be monitored for complications and to ensure that leaked fluid has been reabsorbed. For patients with complications, laser treatments may be required to seal the leakage to prevent permanent vision loss. More than half of the patients who develop central serous retinopathy have a recurrence of the condition.