Stress-Related Vision Loss: Blurred, Wavy, or Dark Vision Could Be a Sign of CSR

Have you ever noticed that straight lines suddenly appear wavy, or that parts of your central vision look blurred or dim? It might be easy to brush it off as eye strain or tiredness, but if these changes persist—especially in one eye—it could be something more serious:

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSR).

Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR) Awareness: Recognize symptoms like blurred, wavy, or dark central vision. Understand potential causes such as stress and medication. Seek medical attention if you notice sudden vision changes. Contact South Bay Retina for more information.

CSR is a condition where fluid builds up under the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. This fluid causes a small area of the retina to detach, leading to blurred or distorted central vision. While it often affects people between the ages of 30 and 50, especially men under high stress, CSR can occur in anyone—including women and younger adults.

Understanding the Symptoms: Stress-Related Vision Loss

CSR doesn’t always cause pain, so early signs can be subtle. Patients often describe their vision as “not quite right.” Common symptoms include:

• Blurred or hazy central vision—as if looking through fog or water.

• Wavy or distorted lines—straight objects, like door frames or text lines, appear bent.

• A gray or dark spot in the center of vision (called a scotoma).

• Reduced contrast sensitivity—colors may seem duller or less vibrant.

• Difficulty focusing or reading—especially under dim light.

  
  

These symptoms usually affect one eye, though sometimes both can be involved. Because CSR can easily be mistaken for other eye problems like macular degeneration or diabetic macular edema, a thorough retinal exam is essential.

Why CSR Happens

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but CSR is strongly linked to stress and elevated cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. People with high-stress lifestyles, anxiety, or those using steroid medications (like prednisone or even some nasal sprays and creams) are more prone to developing CSR.

Other contributing factors can include:

• Sleep disorders or shift work

• Type A personality traits (competitive, driven, high-achieving)

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Certain systemic conditions that affect blood vessel health

When to Seek Help

If you experience sudden changes in central vision, especially distortion or a dark spot, don’t wait for it to go away on its own. While some mild CSR cases can resolve within a few months, recurrent or chronic CSR can lead to permanent retinal damage and vision loss if untreated.

At South Bay Retina, we use advanced imaging technologies—such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Fluorescein Angiography—to detect even the smallest fluid pockets under the retina. These scans help us determine whether observation, medication, or targeted laser treatment (like micropulse laser therapy) is the best course of action. (Stress-Related Vision Loss)

Taking Control of Your Vision Health

Managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and reviewing any steroid medication use with your doctor can lower your risk of recurrence. Regular eye exams are crucial, especially if you’ve had CSR before or notice new changes in your sight.

Remember: early detection is the key to protecting your vision. Blurry or wavy vision isn’t something to ignore—it’s your eye’s way of asking for attention.

Connect with Us! 

You can reach us and learn more through the following channels: Website: https://www.southbayretina.com 

Phone: (408) 294-3534 Serving: San Jose, Cupertino, and the greater South Bay Area 

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References

1. Gass, J. D. M. (1967). Pathogenesis of disciform detachment of the neuroepithelium. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 63(3), 573–585. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9394(67)90078-2

   
   

2. Levine, R., & Yannuzzi, L. A. (2023). Central serous chorioretinopathy: Pathogenesis and management. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 252, 22–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2023.01.005

   
   

3. Liew, G., Quin, G., Gillies, M., & Fraser-Bell, S. (2013). Central serous chorioretinopathy: A review of epidemiology and pathophysiology. Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, 41(2), 201–214. https://doi.org/10.1111/ceo.12063

   
   

4. Nicholson, B., Noble, J., Forooghian, F., & Meyerle, C. (2013). Central serous chorioretinopathy: Update on pathophysiology and treatment. Survey of Ophthalmology, 58(2), 103–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.survophthal.2012.07.004

5. Narain, K. (2025). Stress-Related Vision Loss: Blurred, Wavy, or Dark Vision Could Be a Sign of CSR

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