Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR)

What is;

It is a condition that affects the macula. The exact causes that cause it are not known, but stress is the most important predisposing and aggravating factor. The second most common cause is the use of corticosteroids. This condition usually affects young and middle-aged men. It is divided into two types:

1. Acute
2. Recurrent or chronic CSR, either with multiple episodes that last less than 3 months (recurrent), or with an episode that persists for more than 6 months without absorption of the fluid(chronic).

How does it manifest itself? What are the causes?

It manifests as sudden blurring of vision in one eye. The patient sees distorted, dark and faded colors. Usually, multiple retinal detachments are accompanied by a collection of fluid under the macula and a sharp decrease in visual acuity.

How is the diagnosis made – What are the tests?

The diagnosis is made with the following tests:

1. Fundus examination in the slit lamp.
2. Autofluorescence (special imaging of the fundus to identify chronic changes in the retina pigment epithelium, as well as highlighting areas with possible presence of fluid).
3. OCT optical coherence tomography (necessary examination to highlight the fluid and quantitatively measure macular thickness).
4. Fluorescein angiography (will show the point of fluid leakage).
5. Indocyanine angiography (in chronic cases will show any choroidal leakage in the retinal pigment epithelium).

Treatment Plan

• Observation (resolves on its own within 4-6 months, especially if it is the first episode).
• Invasive (in cases where the liquid is not absorbed, micro-pulse laser or photodynamic therapy is recommended).