Central Serous Choroidopathy

What it is.
Central serous choroidopathy – also known as central serous retinopathy – describes a leakage of fluids between the choroid and retina. It’s called central because it occurs in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for your central (straight ahead) vision. This leakage creates a pocket of fluid underneath the retina. This fluid pocket distorts the light-sensitive nerve cells in the macula. This may cause some interference with your vision in that eye. A Fluorescein Angiogram may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Many cases resolve on their own without needing treatment. However, it still needs to be watched because some cases will require treatment. The exact cause of central serous choroidopathy remains uncertain. It usually occurs in young healthy people, and is more common in males.

Who is at risk?
We don’t know yet what triggers central serous choroidopathy. There is research on why certain people develop central serous choroidopathy – and when and why the disease will flare up in one eye or the other. But it does seem to strike young, healthy people – usually males experiencing significant stress.

Treatment options.
Usually nothing. That’s because this leakage usually seals itself off over a period of weeks or months. If this happens, your body may resorb the leaked fluid and your vision in that eye will return to almost normal.

However, if the fluid is not resorbed after three months a repeat Fluorescein Angiogram may be performed. If there is a persistent leak, the photocoagulations of this leak could be performed to hasten the resorption of the fluid.