Central serous retinopathy (CSR) is a condition where fluid leaks from the central macula of the eye, causing temporary vision loss. It may be triggered by stress or corticosteroid use, and there is no known cure. Laser photocoagulation may be used in severe cases, but it carries a risk of permanent blind spots.
Sometimes referred to as severe central chorioretinopathy or CSC, central serous retinopathy is a condition in which fluid leaks from the central macula of the eye. Due to macular fluid leakage, the central vision in the eye becomes somewhat blurred, resulting in temporary vision loss. While this condition is more common in males, cases involving females have been reported. Fortunately, many people experience partial or complete recovery from this condition within six months, although some experience a permanent decrease in the quality of their night vision or the ability to distinguish certain colors.
There is no single, universally accepted reason why central serous retinopathy, or CSR, occurs. One school of thought holds that the flow of fluid from the central macula is triggered by prolonged periods of stress. This would include people in occupations where the average level of stress is high for most of the working day. As stress is better managed or minimized, the loss eases and the eye begins to heal.
Others believe that CSR can be triggered by corticosteroid use. This is due to some research findings indicating that a significant number of people diagnosed with central serous retinopathy use corticosteroids to treat various skin conditions or allergies. People who naturally produce higher levels of cortisone also appear to have a higher risk of developing CSR at some point in their lives.
It is difficult to determine how widespread the presence of central serous retinopathy actually is. People who wear corrective lenses may notice some blurring, but they attribute it to the gradual deterioration of their vision’s retina and think it’s time for a new vision prescription. With others, the change in vision quality is so gradual that people don’t notice the change for some time. Even when the eye problem is finally noticed, most people don’t seek help from a retina specialist, assuming they just need to start wearing corrective lenses of some sort.
There is no known cure for central serous retinopathy. In severe cases, healthcare professionals may recommend the use of laser photocoagulation. A procedure of this type uses laser technology to repair the crack allowing it to leak. However, this procedure is not without risk, as it can leave a permanent blind spot at the site where the crack was sealed. Photocoagulation for the treatment of central serous retinopathy is usually only recommended when CSR does not seem to correct itself over a period of several months.
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