Central serous chorioretinopathy is an acute eye condition that can lead to reduced vision in one eye. This condition can occur due to steroid use, stress levels being heightened, pregnancy, or be from an unknown cause. Central serous chorioretinopathy is usually not treated and is monitored regularly as it will typically resolve on its own. Potential complications from central serous chorioretinopathy include developing a retinal hole or developing new blood vessels in the retina.
Who is at Risk for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy?
The typical demographic affected by central serous chorioretinopathy is men in their twenties or thirties.
Another prominent demographic which is affected by central serous chorioretinopathy is pregnant females of any age.
Using steroid medications or having an excessive production of steroid hormones may induce a case of central serous chorioretinopathy.
Symptoms of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
The most common symptoms associated with central serous chorioretinopathy are blurred vision in one eye, distorted vision in one eye, or difficulty with maintaining binocularity.
In central serous chorioretinopathy, the center of the vision can become blurred or distorted from the fluid buildup beneath the retina.
When this build-up of fluid occurs, the retina is stretched abnormally and may cause the photoreceptors in this area to become damaged or abnormal which results in blurry or distorted vision.
When one eye is no longer able to see clearly in the center of the vision, it can lead to new problems keeping the eyes working together binocularly.
This can present in many ways including eye strain, double vision, or closing one eye to see better.
How Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Occurs
Central serous chorioretinopathy occurs when there is the fluid that builds beneath the retina. Specifically, the fluid is beneath the macula which is the center of the vision.
This fluid is derived from blood but is not the same as having a true hemorrhage in which blood leaks out of the blood vessels.
In central serous chorioretinopathy, the fluid is from outside of the blood vessels but is not supposed to enter into the retina.
The typical barrier to the fluid and other contents entering the retina can become weak or porous and allow fluid to cause an area of swelling.
This fluid will cause the retina to lift up in this region and lead to blurred vision.
Treatment for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
As most cases of central serous chorioretinopathy will be self-limiting and resolve within four to six months, there is not often any treatment required.
While treatment is not initiated, the condition should be monitored regularly at monthly intervals to assess for resolution or regression.
If the central serous chorioretinopathy has not resolved at all within one to two months, a retinal specialist may elect to perform an intraocular procedure to assist with the healing process.
To increase the rate of resolution of the central serous chorioretinopathy, stress levels should be lowered, alcohol and smoking avoided, and steroid medications stopped if possible.
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