Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Risk Factors
Thickened or unusually thickened choroidal tissue of the retina is a predisposing factor for developing CSR. Patients who have high levels of stress, reduced sleep, and high endogenous cortisol or catecholamine production are at greatest risk for developing CSR. Interestingly, steroid inhalers, oral steroids, and even topical steroids can result in CSR in some patients.
Central serous chorioretinopathy aka central serous retinopathy aka CSR is a condition that can result in blurry vision and eventually vision loss in the 20-40 year old age range typically. What is surprising about it is that it usually occurs in people that are otherwise healthy and under a lot of stress. Treatment approaches are varied with some doctors merely recommending observation while others apply a cold laser technique originally intended for wet macular degeneration. We published a series of cases using low intensity laser treatment to dry up the fluid and found that almost all patients responded favorably without the downsides of the cold laser treatment (PDT). Our proprietary protocol involves first a systemic approach and initial stress reduction period which resolves about 50% of cases. Those that persist undergo microperimetry which is a detailed way of mapping the retinal function that makes a conventional visual field test look archaic. With that and an angiographic study of the retina, we are able to create a detailed map for treatment. This optimizes response without any adverse effects. Most clinics still use the cold laser technique that was originally created for wet AMD and then abondoned. Because the laser used for PDT was worthless, some felt it may be worth trying to adapt that system for CSR. The problem however, is that there are significant side effects to the cold laser. We stand behind our unique and proprietary treatment protocol for CSR and have many satisfied patients who had failed other approaches. The important thing about this condition, like many retinal conditions, is that the disease process must stopped before damage to photo receptors is irreversible.