Eye Conditions

Central Serous Retinopathy

What is Central Serous Retinopathy?

Central serous retinopathy, or CSR, is a condition where fluid leaks under the retina, causing a fluid-filled (serous) detachment and vision distortion or loss.

It is most often confined to the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision.

Central serous retinopathy usually affects just one eye at a time, but both eyes can be affected at the same time

What are the symptoms?

If you have central serous retinopathy you may experience these symptoms

  • blurred or decreased vision
  • distorted central vision, where lines appear crooked or bent
  • a dark spot in your central vision
  • objects appearing smaller or further away than they really are
  • colours appearing washed out

What is Central Serous Retinopathy?

Central serous retinopathy, or CSR, is a condition where fluid leaks under the retina, causing a fluid-filled (serous) detachment and vision distortion or loss.

It is most often confined to the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision.

Central serous retinopathy usually affects just one eye at a time, but both eyes can be affected at the same time

What are the symptoms?

If you have central serous retinopathy you may experience these symptoms

  • blurred or decreased vision
  • distorted central vision, where lines appear crooked or bent
  • a dark spot in your central vision
  • objects appearing smaller or further away than they really are
  • colours appearing washed out

What causes CSR?

While anyone can develop CSR and the cause is usually unknown, there are certain factors that may increase the risk:

  • between 20 – 45 years of age
  • more common in males, but can occur in women, especially during pregnancy
  • use of systemic steroids such as Prednisone or Cortisone – tablets, steroid creams, nasal sprays, even injections into joints
  • type A personality traits (ambitious, competitive, impatient behaviour) 
  • stress and hypertension
  • sleep disturbances, including sleep apnoea

How is CSR treated?

In most cases, CSR will resolve within one to four months without treatment, as the fluid is reabsorbs into the body.

However, recurrences are common and some vision symptoms may persist, including distortion, reduced contrast sensitivity and dullness of colours.

In cases where the fluid does not reabsorb on its own, a fluorescein angiogram may be used to identify the site of leakage and it may be possible to seal this leaky spot with laser treatment.

After laser treatment, your eye health professional will monitor you closely as if signs and symptoms persist, you may need further treatment.

Central Serous Retinopathy: Overview

What is a fluorescein angiogram?

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