Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)

A fluid buildup behind the retina may cause the retina to detach. When this occurs in the center part of the retina, it is called central serous retinopathy.

Symptoms of Central Serous Retinopathy

Central serous retinopathy does not always have clear and obvious symptoms. However, some patients may experience:

  • Sudden or gradual vision loss
  • Blurry vision in just one eye
  • A dark spot or missing areas in your central vision
  • Straight lines appear wavy
  • Color vision may appear dull or washed out

Risk Factors for Central Serous Retinopathy

Central serous retinopathy typically affects men between the ages of 30 and 50, though women may also develop this condition. Other risk factors include:

  • Aging
  • Stress and/or being a “Type A” personality
  • Medications that cause inflammation in some cases, such as corticosteroids
  • Being Caucasian

While you cannot stop the aging process, lifestyle changes that reduce stress may also reduce the risks for developing central serous retinopathy. These include: getting an adequate amount of sleep, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and, if you smoke, quitting.

Treatment for Central Serous Retinopathy

Treatment for this condition is not always indicated. In some cases, the fluid may simply drain on its own. However, central serous retinopathy is not a condition that you should attempt to self-diagnose or ignore. Regular, comprehensive dilated eye examinations will allow your doctor to monitor the condition. If fluid is not draining on its own, your doctor may recommend:

  • Stopping the use of some medications such as steroids or treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications that may prevent new, fragile blood vessels from forming on the retina
  • Thermal laser treatment may be performed to seal the leak

If you are experiencing any central vision changes, contact our office to schedule a comprehensive eye examination with Dr. Jiménez. You will be glad that you did.