Central serous chorioretinopathy
Central serous chorioretinopathy Causes
Central serous chorioretinopathy results from the leaking of choroidal fluid into the subretinal area. The accumulation of fluid is causes by breaks in the retinal pigment epithelium. Although the real cause of central serous chorioretinopathy is unknown, doctors believe that stress plays an important part in the occurrence of the disease. This is because a large number of those afflicted admit to having stressful occurrences on a daily basis, or stressful jobs.
Central serous chorioretinopathy Definition
Central serous chorioretinopathy is a condition of the eye wherein the central macula leaks fluid from the choriocapillaris, resulting in blurry vision. The word serous means serum, which is thin and watery-like in texture. The blurry vision is called metamorphopsia. Sometimes the patients see gray or blind spots, as well as occurring photopsia, or flashes of light.
Central serous chorioretinopathy Prevalence
Central serous chorioretinopathy occurs in men aged 20-55 years. Men are 6-10 times more prone to the disease than women. Additionally, 5% of those with Cushing?s syndrome also have central serous chorioretinopathy. This is due to the high cortisol levels associated with Cushing?s syndrome.
Central serous chorioretinopathy Symptoms and Signs
Aside from metamorphosia and photopsia, other symptoms of central serous chorioretinopathy are central scotoma, micropsia, or when objects appear smaller in size than they actually are; farsightedness; and chromatopsia, wherein objects appear to be uncolored. The symptoms can vary and occur in different degrees, although blurry vision is the most dominant and common symptom experienced by patients. Cortisol is also associated with central serous chorioretinopathy, making people who have higher levels of these in their system more prone to the disease. This also explains the relationship of the disease to stress, because cortisol is a hormone released in the body allowing it to cope with stress. Corticosteroids, also known as cortisone, which is used for treating conditions such as allergies and inflammations, can also contribute to central serous chorioretinopathy.
Central serous chorioretinopathy Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for central serous chorioretinopathy. However, if left untouched for 4-8 weeks, the disease can disappear and the eye will regain visual normalcy. But the disease recurs with one-third to a half of the patients, while about 10% have recurrences of 3 or more times. The relapse time can occur anywhere between a year to up to 10 years later. Some patients can opt for laser photocoagulation, although the process may sometimes result in a blind spot when the central macula is too close to the leak.