Central Serous Retinopathy: What is CSR?

One of our writers has had to deal with an eye condition known as Central Serous Retinopathy. Since we work with eye surgeons I asked her to write about it and agreed to post it on this blog. She has written a series of nine blogs on her experience with Central Serous Retinopathay.

This is the last blog post in the series. I hope you have found it informative.

Central serous retinopathy is a blister on the retina cause by a fluid leak. A layer of cells called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) normally acts as a barrier, preventing this fluid from flowing freely. When the RPE breaks down and springs a leak, you get CSR.

Sometimes people get these blisters and don't even notice them because they are not in the center of their vision. When the blister is in the center of your retina (called the macula) it distorts your vision and affects your color vision.

Typically, the leak will stop on its own in a month or two. Once the leak stops, the blister has to heal and it can take six months or more for vision to return to normal.

Recurrence is common. Having the leak for a prolonged period of time or multiple times can cause permanent vision loss. Laser surgery can stop the leak, but will leave a small scar that also causes permanent vision loss. Abnormal blood vessel growth, called choroidal neovascularization, can also occur with CSR and causes vision loss.

CSR is also called idiopathic central serous retinopathy. Idiopathic means the cause is unknown.

Stress seems to be the main cause of CSR. When we experience stress catecholomines are released into the bloodstream. It is believed that the catecholomines disrupt the metabolism of the RPE, leading to the leak.

Steroid use has also been associated with CSR and will make it worse. Many people do not realize that they are using products that contain some kind of steroid. They are often found in asthma inhalers, cortisone creams, and other medications.