Central Serous Retinopathy

Central serous retinopathy (CSR) refers to the pooling of fluid that has leaked under the macula region of the eye. This is the region of the retina controlling central vision and allows you to see fine detail. It usually occurs to males between the ages of 20 to 50 but it can also affect women.    

What are the symptoms of CSR?

The symptoms of CSR include the following:

• Fairly sudden blurred vision
• A grey or dark spot in central vision
• Distorted vision – waviness of lines and shapes
• Altered colour vision

Diagnosis of CSR

The diagnosis will begin with a dilated examination of your eye where the doctor will notice the fluid at the macula. This would often be followed by an OCT and also fluorescein angiogram which is used to pinpoint the source of the fluid leak. During a fluorescein angiogram, a dye is injected into your arm and pictures of your eye. 

Causes of CSR

CSR is most commonly associated with increased circulating corticosteroids. These steroids may be medically prescribed (e.g. skin creams, inhalers, nasal spray or orally). 

Very high caffeine and energy drink consumption may also contribute and should be avoided. 

There are also some medical conditions associated with increased corticosteroids. These include stress, obstructive sleep apnea and Cushing’s disease. 

Recently, a disturbance in the sleep wake cycle (e.g. from long distance travel) has also been thought to be associated with CSR. 

The medication Viagra may also be causative.

Rarely high blood pressure can present with a similar retinal appearance and so you may be asked to be assessed by your GP to exclude this also.