Central Serous Retinopathy

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Central Serous Retinopathy

Central serous retinopathy (CSR) is a retinal condition in which fluid accumulates under the retina, causing blurring or distortions of the central vision. CSR typically affects one eye at a time but can affect both eyes. It is most commonly seen in men aged 20 to 50 years old. CSR often worsens in response to stress or after exposure to medications that contain steroids.

Diagnosis and Treatment of CSR

To diagnose CSR, your retina doctor will dilate your eyes and use OCT imaging to observe and quantify the fluid accumulated under the retina. Often, the doctor will order a fluorescein angiogram (an IV dye test) to determine the source of the leakage, rule out other causes of fluid, and guide treatment should it become necessary.

Most cases of CSR will improve spontaneously within one to three months; however, some cases will persist and become chronic. If the fluid does not improve on its own, your physician may discuss using laser therapy or photodynamic therapy to seal the leak and help to recover your vision.

Fortunately, most patients with CSR will regain good vision even without treatment, though they may continue to notice their vision is not quite as good as their unaffected eye.

If the fluid accumulation does not improve with time, your doctor may order further evaluation using a fluorescein angiogram. This test involves injecting a small amount of a yellow dye through a peripheral arm vein and photography of the retina in the back of the eye to identify the abnormal areas that are leaking. Your physician may discuss using laser therapy or photodynamic therapy to seal the leak and help to recover your vision.

Fortunately, most patients with CSR will regain good vision even without treatment, though they may continue to notice their vision is not quite as good as their unaffected eye.