1. Eye Care Glossary
  2. What Is Central Serous Chorioretinopathy?

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a condition affecting the eye's retina that can cause blurred vision. This glossary will discuss the most common concerns about this eye condition.

What Is Central Serous Chorioretinopathy?

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is an eye condition in which fluid accumulates under the retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that translates light into images for the brain. This fluid buildup leads to a small retinal detachment, resulting in blurry or distorted central vision. CSC is most common in people aged 20 to 50, particularly men.

Causes

What causes central serous chorioretinopathy? There is no conclusive answer. However, eye care experts link the condition primarily to stress. Elevated stress levels trigger the production of the stress hormone cortisol, which may lead to inflammation, swelling, and a fluid leak under the retina.

Other risk factors include corticosteroid use and certain health conditions, like hypertension and sleep apnea. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, managing stress and avoiding unnecessary steroid use could reduce your risk.

Symptoms

Central serous chorioretinopathy typically brings about a sudden change in vision, affecting one or both eyes. Here’s what you might experience:

  • Blurry or distorted central vision—straight lines might seem bent
  • A dark or gray spot right in the middle of your vision
  • Objects seeming smaller or farther away than they are
  • Colors looking faded or washed out

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult an eye doctor.

Diagnosis

As with most eye conditions, getting a thorough eye exam is the best way to know if you have central serous chorioretinopathy. Your eye doctor will likely perform imaging tests like optical coherence tomography to get a detailed look at your retina. They might also use fluorescein angiography to identify the source of the fluid leakage.

Early diagnosis is instrumental in managing CSC effectively.

Treatment Options

In many cases, central serous chorioretinopathy doesn’t require treatment and will improve within one to four months. Your eye doctor will monitor the condition to make sure the fluid is draining.

If the condition persists or if you experience multiple episodes, treatment options are available. These may include laser therapy or medication to reduce the fluid buildup.

Your eye doctor will help determine the best way to treat the problem based on your specific case.

Schedule an eye exam with Visionworks today to take charge of your eye health.

Frequently Asked Questions