What is Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.?
Central Serous Chorio-retinopathy (CSCR) is a condition in which the fluid collects under the
retina. This is caused by a disturbance in the pumping action of Retinal Pigment Epithelial cells
layer and/or abnormalities in the blood vessel layer (choroid).
Both layers function to keep the retina healthy. This dysfunction results in fluid leakage under the
retina in a bubble-like swelling called central serous chorio-retinopathy (CSCR).
What are the risk factors that cause CSCR?
Steroids - inhalers for asthma, nasal spray for hay fever, steroid cream for skin diseases, steroid tablets,
steroid injections.
Type A personality.
Emotional stress
Untreated hypertension
Alcohol use
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Organ transplantation
Gastro-oesophageal reflux
Cushing’s disease
Pregnancy
In which age is CSCR common?
Common among young or middle aged men, 30 to 50 years of age.
Men typically out number women with a ratio of at least 6:1.
In patients older than 50 years the ratio is changed to 2:1.
What are the symptoms of CSCR?
Painless blurring of central vision.
Distortion or a change in size of an object.
Difficulty in reading small prints with the affected eye.
Frequent change in reading glasses.
How is CSCR diagnosed?
Generally, the diagnosis is made by taking your detailed history, comprehensive eye examination and
diagnostic tests.
Types of imaging tests:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive camera-based scan of the retina which uses light waves to take cross-sectional image of your retina. It is used to identify the fluid under the retina,
along with detailed structural changes
secondary to CSCR. This imaging tool is not
only useful in making a diagnosis but is also
helpful in monitoring your condition.
Fundus Fluorescein Angiography
During this test a coloured dye is injected into your arm, followed by a series of photographs taken of your
retina using a special camera. This test helps to identify the leaking area in your retina. The information
found through these investigations will help to develop your individual treatment plan and rule out other
similar conditions if the findings are unusual. Not everyone requires this test and your consulting eye doctor
will decide whether this test is needed.
What are the complications of CSCR?
Few patients develop a growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina called Choroidal Neovascular
Membrane-CNVM, which leaks fluid in the retina. This membrane can be diagnosed by FFA and can be
treated with anti-VEGF injections in the eye.
Some patients with long-term CSCR develop loss of function of cells retinal pigment epithelial cells which
results in a permanent worsening of vision.
How is CSCR treated? Observation and Life style modification - In most cases (85%), the fluid in the retina settles on its own within few months and needs no
specific treatment.
Laser photocoagulation is carried out when
Non-resolving CSCR of 4 months or more duration.
If spontaneous recovery does not occur within a month with or without a history of recurrent CSCR in the
same eye or if the other eye associated with visual loss due to previous episodes of CSCR.
For patients with occupational needs for binocular vision (pilot, surgeons).
In the acute stage, photocoagulation at the site of leakage can result in resolution of sub-retinal fluid in 3 to
4 weeks.
Synergy Eye Care is well equipped and its doctors are well experienced in treating this disease using required procedures and /or surgeries with good results.
Disclaimer: Information published here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. If you suspect that you have a health problem, please consult your doctor immediately
