CSCR appears as a "blister" of fluid at the macula.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a problem affecting the macula, a small spot near the center of the retina. In CSCR, leakage of fluid beneath the retina results in the macula forming a ‘blister’, thus distorting vision.
The macula lets us see objects that are straight ahead, and is crucial for the sharp, central vision required in activities such as reading and driving.
The exact cause of this condition is unknown, although it is thought to be linked to stress and a "Type A" personality. Patients on steroid treatment - including steroid creams or steroid inhalers - may also develop CSCR. It usually occurs in the 25 to 45 year age-group, and predominantly in males.
Symptoms of a CSCR
Visual Distortion (Metamorphopsia)
Straight lines, such as door frames or lines of text, may appear wavy, bent, or distorted.
Blurred Central Vision
The loss of central vision can make it difficult to recognize faces, read small print, or see fine details.
Diagnosing a CSCR
Comprehensive Eye Examination
The first step is a detailed assessment of your visual acuity and a dilated eye exam to inspect the retina and macula for signs of a CSCR.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
A form of non-invasive 3D imaging that provides high-resolution cross-sections of the macula and retina. This is essential for detecting fluid or bleeding in 'wet' AMD.
Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
In certain patients, an FFA may be performed to determine the source of leakage in the macula. A yellow dye ("fluorescein") is injected into the vein on your hand, and allowed to circulate into your body. A special camera is used to take high-speed photographs of the dye as it flows through the blood vessels of the retina, allowing your specialist to detect any leaking vessels under the macula.
Appearance of a CSCR on an optical coherence tomography scan.
Treatment
of a CSCR
For most patients, treatment is not required as a CSCR is typically a temporary condition. The leak resolves spontaneously, with the fluid being reabsorbed over a period of 3 - 6 months. Vision will usually recover, although there is a small chance it may not recover fully.
There is a 20 - 30 percent risk of recurrence, with each episode potentially causing damage to the retina.
In some patients with delayed recovery of the CSCR, or when a CSCR recurs often, laser treatment or photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be used to seal the leak and improve vision.