Central Serous Chorioretinopathy is a disorder where fluid accumulates beneath the retina, causing distortion and potential vision changes. There are various causes of this condition which are explored on this page with different treatment options.
What factors can cause or contribute to Central Serous Chorioretinopathy?
Common causal or contributing factors include:
Stress and Corticosteroids: Chronic stress or steroid use may be associated with CSC.
Male Predominance: Men, particularly those in their 30s to 50s, are more commonly affected.
Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure can contribute to fluid leakage.
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Any one of these factors or a combination can contribute to experiencing CSC. In many cases chronic CSC can be associated with a combination of factors such as hypertension caused by excessive stress. Prof. Stanga and his team may recommend that you consult with a cardiologist if they are concerned about the chronicity of your condition.
Symptoms of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Blurred or Distorted Vision: The accumulation of fluid underneath the layers of the retina disrupts its normal functioning, leading to visual disturbances.
Diminished Colour Perception: Colours may appear less vibrant or altered because of the fluid accumulation disrupting the normal functioning of the cells in the retina.
Central Vision Impairment: Focusing on detailed tasks may become challenging. This is because the fluid accumulates in the macula, the central part of the retina, where the central part of your vision is generated.
How is Central Serous Chorioretinopathy diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis is paramount, guiding effective treatment plans. Prof. Stanga and his team used the latest state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to confidently diagnose any CSC and thus to recommend the correct and personalised treatment plan, including:
Visual Acuity Tests:
Assessing the clarity of your vision and whether it has dropped substantially.
Fundus Fluorescein Angiography:
This is an imaging procedure which involves injecting a vegetable die into the patient and then imaging their retina as the dye passes through using a light at a specific wavelength to reflect off of the dye. This imaging effectively shows the extent of fluid accumulation beneath the macula and whether there is any further damage to the vasculature of the retina.
Ultra-wide field Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
Producing detailed cross-sectional images of the layers of your retina to identify quantity of fluid accumulation and how it is affecting the layers of the retina.
A macular OCT scan showing a fluid under the fovea (middle of the macula) as a result of CSC. This fluid can distort central vision as the layers of the retina are being disrupted.
A macular OCT scan showing a fluid under the fovea (middle of the macula) as a result of CSC. This fluid can distort central vision as the layers of the retina are being disrupted.
Can Central Serous Chorioretinopathy be treated?
Prof. Stanga and his team consistently prescribe only personalised treatment plans to according to what they think, based upon the extensive examinations and imaging in testing done, is the best plan of action for you or the patient.
We know that in many cases, patients with chronic CSC are only prescribed observation, however, we know that this is not good enough for patients suffering from it especially when there are treatment options to manage the acute symptoms and ways of managing the longer-term implications.
Prof. Stanga and his team may recommend seeing a cardiologist to manage any suspected cardiac hypertension. This may be recommended if your symptoms are stress-related.
Laser Therapy:
Targeting the leaking blood vessels to reduce fluid accumulation.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):
Using light-activated medication to address abnormal vessels.
Anti-VEGF Injections:
Administering medications to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor, reducing fluid leakage.
Observation:
In some cases, CSC resolves on its own, and close monitoring is recommended.