Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy is a slight accumulation of fluid underneath the Macular area and in between certain retinal layers.  Central Serous Chorioretinopathy usually, but not always, resolves without treatment after a few months with a full recovery of the diminished central vision.  Serous means that the fluid is thin and watery.  About one-third to one-half patients who have a Central Serous Chorioretinopathy has a recurrence after the first episode of the problem.  The recurrence is within one year of the first episode, but relapses may occur up to ten years later.

Symptoms of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Many patients first notice a minor blurring of vision, followed by various degrees of “metamorphopsia” or distorted vision, “micropsia” or the perception that objects are smaller than they actually are, “chromatopsia” or objects looking unusually colored and a shift of prescription toward farsightedness or hyperopia.  Visual acuity may range from 20/20 to 20/200 and averages 20/30.  In some patients the onset of symptoms is preceded or accompanied by migraine-like headaches.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy is diagnosed through Visual Acuity testing in conjunction with an Amsler Grid Test, a dilated pupil examination of the Macula with an Ophthalmoscope and Slit Lamp High Magnification Fundus Lens, an Intravenous Fluorescein Angiogram (IVF) and/or Ocular Coherence Tomogram (OCT).  Although no medication has thus far proved effective in treating Central Serous Chorioretinopathy and the condition will resolve on its own, a beneficial effect of Laser Photocoagulation Treatment has been reported in several studies.  It is believed that although direct photocoagulation of the leakage point does not improve the final level of vision, it can shorten the acute phase of the disease and also lower the recurrence rate to about one fifth of what would be expected without active treatment.

If you, a family member or friend is concerned about Macular Disease please schedule an appointment with Center for Sight Retinal Specialist Robert Kelly, M.D. by calling Center for Sight in Fall River, Massachusetts at 508.677.0041 or Center for Sight in Woonsocket, Rhode Island at 401.769.6323.

Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients in need of evaluation and diagnosis of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton, and Tiverton.

Macular Disease

Macular Hole

Macular Pucker

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy