Definition: Central Serous Retinopathy is a slight accumulation of transparent fluid, of unknown origin, in the macular region of the eye. Serous means “a thin, water-like serum”. Retinopathy is a deterioration of the retina caused by over-production of, or damage to, blood vessels in the retina.

Symptoms: Many patients first notice a minor blurring of vision, followed by various degrees of distortion, visual perception of objects appearing smaller than their actual size, objects appearing unnaturally colored, an area of lost vision surrounded by an area of decreased vision, and / or increased farsightedness. In some patents the onset of symptoms is preceded or accompanied by migraine-like headaches.

Treatment: The diagnosis is made by a dilated eye examination, and then confirmed by fluorescein angiography.

Although no medication has thus far proved effective in treating central serous retinopathy, laser photocoagulation has been reported to have a beneficial effect on lowering recurrence rate and shortening the length of the disease’s effect on the eye. Findings indicate that direct photocoagulation of the leakage point not only shortens the acute phase of the disease but also lowers the recurrence rate to about one fifth of what would be expected without active treatment. Small series have also shown that intravitreal Avastin injection may also be of benefit. Patients are susceptible to recurrence of central serous retinopathy most often within one year, but relapse may occur up to ten years after the initial episode.