Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC)

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) or (CSCR)occurs when fluid accumulates below the  layers of retina, resulting in distorted vision. This fluid often leaks from a tissue layer beneath the retina, known as the choroid. The cell layer separating the choroid from the retina is called retinal pigment epithelium or RPE.

Suppose the retinal pigment epithelium works like a pump which remove the fluid from retina layers and if doesn’t function properly, in that case, fluid will accumulate below the retina layers, leading to visual distortion and small detachment. CSR usually occurs in one eye, but some people have the condition in both eyes. 

Symptoms of CSC

The symptoms of CSC may include:

• A dark/blurry area in the central vision
• Straight lights appearing bent, irregular, or crooked in the affected eye
• Objects appearing further away from the eyes or smaller
• White objects appear brownish or have a duller colour
• Dimmed, blurred, or distorted central vision

Risk factors for CSC

Men between 30 – 50 years are more likely to have CSC than women. Stress is also a major risk factor for CSC. It is well known that those under stress have a higher risk of developing central serous chorioretinopathy

Other common risk factors for this condition include:

• Using steroids, whether inhaled, intravenously, or orally
• Sleep disturbances such as sleep apnoea (breathing interrupting sleep) or insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Helicobacter pylori infection (a bacterial infection affecting the stomach)
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Type A behaviour (competitive and aggressive behaviour)

Diagnosing CSC

The ophthalmologist will put dilating eye drops to widen the pupil to view inside the eye. The doctor will take special eye photos or scan of your eyes who precisely show all layers of retina called OCT scan, They may perform further tests call an angiogram a fluorescein angiography which reveal leaking blood vessels. During the fluorescein angiography, the doctor will inject a dye into a vein in the arm. This dye will travel through the veins, including the retinal veins. The dye will show abnormal blood vessels in the eye to diagnose central serous chorio retinopathy.

Another method of diagnosis is using optical coherence tomography OCT swift source, which helps the doctor examine the retina. This machine will scan the back of the eye and give 3D images of the retina. The test will measure the retinal thickness and identify swelling in the retina. A newer model of this device called OCT angiogram can check the status of blood vessels without use of dye or injection and

optimal Vision is proud to be equipped with this advance technology. Please call us on 0207 1833725 to book your consultation.

Treatment for CSC

In most cases, CSC clears within a month or two without treatment. The ophthalmologist will examine your eyes for early detection and to check if the fluid is clearing during this period. As well as to make sure leak is not due to other eye disease. Sometimes, severe leakages or vision loss may occur. This may require a type of laser treatment called PDT or Photo Dynamic Therapy, oral medications, or thermal or Micro pulse laser treatment to seal the leaking blood vessel and restore your vision.

Most people who experience CSC regain vision without treatment, but their vision may not be as good as before. About 50% of patients who have CSC may have recurrences mean condition may happen again.

Having regular follow-up eye exams is important to detect fluid accumulation, which can cause permanent vision loss.

You can visit Optimal Vision for routine eye exams or call us on 020 7183 3725 to schedule an appointment for your eye exam.