Central serous choroidopathy is a disease of fluid accumulation under the retina due to leakage of unknown cause from the choroid (blood vessel layer under the retina).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause is unknown. Most patients are young adult males with type A personalities, but any age or gender can get central serous choroidopathy. Stress appears to be a risk factor. Central serous choroidopathy can occur as a complication of steroid drug use.

Signs and tests

Central serous choroidopathy can usually be diagnosed with dilated examination of the retina. Fluorescein angiography , a test which photographically images the retinal circulation after injecting a dye into the bloodstream, will confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Most cases will resolve without treatment in one or two months. Patients with more severe leakage and more severe visual loss or longer persistence of disease may be helped by laser treatment to seal the leak or leaks. Patients who are using steroid drugs should discontinue their use if medically feasible. Any change in steroid drug use MUST be under the supervision of a physician.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most patients recover normal vision without treatment. Recurrences occur in about half of all patients and have a similarly good prognosis. Rare patients will develop permanent scars which impair central vision.

Complications

A small number of patients will have complications of laser treatment which impair central vision, which is why most patients will be allowed to recover without treatment.

Calling your health care provider

If visual symptoms worsen.

Prevention

No preventive measures are known. Although there is a clear association with stress, there is no evidence that tranquilizer drugs have any benefit in preventing or treating central serous choroidopathy.