Central serous chorioretinopathy, sometimes referred to as central serous retinopathy,is a build-up of fluids underneath the retina that affects the macula. As this fluid collects, this leads to the formation of a blister or “serous detachment” beneath the retina. This causes vision to become distorted and blurred.

Symptoms of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR)

The symptoms of central serous chorioretinopathy include:

• Distorted vision. Straight lines may appear wavy and objects seem smaller or further away
• Blurred vision
• Appearance of blind spots in the central field of vision

Central serous chorioretinopathy usually only affects one eye, but in some cases may affect both.

Causes of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR)

The fluid build-up associated with central serous chorioretinopathy is caused by leakage in the layer of tissue (retinal pigment epithelium) that normally separates the retina and choroid. This leakage allows fluid to pass from the choroid and accumulate beneath the retina.

Risk factors for developing central serous chorioretinopathy include:

• High blood-pressure / hypertension
• Use of steroid medication
• More common among men than women, particularly, between the ages of 20 to 50 years old
• More common among Caucasians, Hispanics, and Asians

Diagnosing Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR)

To diagnose central serous chorioretinopathy and rule out other retinal conditions, patients with symptoms of central serous chorioretinopathy need to undergo specialized imaging and scanning using a fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. These diagnostic tests will detect fluids building up beneath the retina and will determine where the leakage is occurring.

Treatment of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR)

For some patients, the fluid build-up caused by central serous chorioretinopathy may not cause any noticeable change in vision or may only be causing minor distortions. In these cases, treatment is not necessary. Over time, vision may even spontaneously return to normal if the leak closes by itself.

However, in more severe cases of central serous chorioretinopathy, your retinal specialist may recommend photodynamic therapy as treatment. During this treatment, a light-sensitive drug is injected into the bloodstream. A laser is then used on the eye to activate the light-sensitive drug, which, in turn, creates blood clots in order to blockleaking fluids from passing through the layer of tissue between the retina and choroid.

Patients diagnosed with central serous chorioretinopathy are recommended to schedule regular examinations in order to monitor the amount of fluid build-up and lower the risk of vision loss.Even for patients whose vision has stabilized or returned to normal, there is the possibility that central serous chorioretinopathy can reoccur.