Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSR)

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) occurs mainly in young men, age 20 to 50.

Symptoms

Its symptoms consist of a relatively sudden onset of blurred vision in one eye, a central blind spot in the involved eye, reduced color vision or minification of images. The condition's exact cause is unknown, but it is characterized by a leakage of fluid in the central macula (the center of the retina). The doctor may discover a serous (clear fluid) retinal detachment upon examination.

Testing

Three of the tests we utilize to diagnose for central serous retinopathy are:

1. Fluorescein Angiography — This valuable test, which uses a type of dye called fluorescein and a special camera, provides information about the circulatory system and the condition of the back of the eye. It is one of the tests which allows us to evaluate ocular blood flow.
2. OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomography) — 3-D images of the retina, nerve fiber layer and optic disc are provided by scanning laser technology.
3. Ophthalmoscopy — Using an instrument known as in indirect ophthalmoscope, a binocular stereoscopic headset, we are able to obtain a wide-field view of the vitreous (the transparent gel-like substance filling the center cavity of the eye) and the retina. A light source from the instrument is directed into the patient's eye by an adjustable mirror. The reflected light is gathered by a specialized lens to provide a virtual inverted image of the retina, contributing to diagnosis.

Treatment

Although the condition may take up to six months or more to resolve, patients diagnosed with CSR can generally expect a good prognosis for recovery of vision. Laser photocoagulation to the retina can encourage recovery of vision. Patients are generallly followed at one month intervals until spontaneous improvement of the condition occurs. Laser treatment may be considered again if significant visual loss continues beyond 3 months or if the subretinal fluid becomes cloudy. Alternative treatments may include photodynamic therapy and intraocular injection of Anti-VEGF medication.

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