Central Serous Retinopathy

Central serous retinopathy also known as central serous choroidopathy is a condition which primarily affects young adult males who have recently been placed under a lot of stress. This condition usually presents as blurred or dim vision in one eye, distorted vision, decreased color vision or the perception that things are smaller in the affected eye. The condition is caused by a defect in the retinal pigment epithelium. The retinal pigment epithelium is a layer of pigmented cells which lies in back of the retina, the light sensitive tissue in the eye. The retinal pigment epithelium provides nutrients to the retina, helps clear the retina of waste products and absorbs stray light. When a defect occurs in the retinal pigment epithelium, fluid from behind the retinal pigment epithelium can percolate under the retina causing it to blister. This blistering of the retina is responsible for most of the symptoms experienced.

Approximately 90% of people with central serous retinopathy recover almost completely within six months. Approximately 50% of people who have experienced central serous retinopathy have one or more occurrences of this problem during their lifetimes. Laser treatment can sometimes be used to improve vision in patients with central serous retinopathy. This treatment is usually reserved for people who have a special need for prompt visual rehabilitation, for people having this condition persist for over four months, or for people who have had a permanent visual deficit from a previous episode in either eye. The role of stress in central serous retinopathy is controversial. It may be prudent, however, for people with central serous retinopathy to reduce environmental stress as much as possible.

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