Central Serous Retinopathy
Protect Your Vision
The ability to see clearly has a dramatic impact on your quality of life. Central serous retinopathy is a condition that makes your central vision blurry, out-of-focus and even distorted. Central serous retinopathy can make even the simple tasks, such as reading, challenging and frustrating. Retina specialist Dr. Sean C. Lalin offers diagnosis and treatment of central serous retinopathy at our Morristown practice, serving patients throughout Hackettstown, and surrounding communities.
If you are experiencing decreased vision, or have been diagnosed with central serous retinopathy and would like to learn more about your treatment options, schedule an appointment at our office today.
Common Symptoms
Central serous retinopathy affects your central vision. The symptoms are often triggered by stress leading to excessive fluid leaking or swelling in the macula or central retinal tissues.
Symptoms of central serous retinopathy include:
- Blurry central vision
- Blind spot or partial loss of central vision (central scotoma)
- Distorted or wavy lines (also known as metamorphopsia)
- Objects appear smaller (micropsia)
- Colors appear darker or more dull (Chromatopsia)
- Increased farsightedness or see better in the distance with reading glasses (Hyperopic shift)
Patients may also experience an increase in headaches. A sudden increase in the number of floaters with central serous retinopathy symptoms may suggest other serious eye health issues, like retinal detachment or uveitis (inflammation of the eye).
Risk Factors
Common Central serous retinopathy risk factors are listed below
- More commonly affects men
- Usually presents between the ages of 20 and 50.
- Chronic stress may increase your risk of developing the disorder
- Type-A personality traits or high stress individuals are at increased risk
- The use of oral, inhaled, or injected steroids increase your risk for Central serous retinopathy
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
During your appointment, Dr. Lalin will use a number of methods to screen for signs of central serous retinopathy, including a dilated examination of the retina and fluorescein angiography, which can identify leakage points using a special fluorescent dye.
Although untreated central serous retinopathy typically subsides within six months or less, nearly half of patients will experience a recurrence of their symptoms. About 10% of sufferers will have three or more recurrences.
In mild cases of Central serous retinopathy, we generally recommend observation and life-style modifications to reduce stress. For cases of severe vision loss, or leakage that is not naturally resorbed, laser treatment can help seal the leaks and shorten severity and duration of the disease. We now treat patients with a state-of-the art yellow wavelength, micro-pulse laser in cases of severe or chronic central serous retinopathy to improve their vision. The yellow wavelength, micro-pulse laser is more effective and less damaging to the retina than older laser technology.
Regular follow-up exams with Dr. Lalin can monitor the accumulation of fluid in the eye and guard against permanent vision loss by treating your central serous retinopathy when appropriate.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate a retinal disorder, it is imperative you seek a specialist's care. Dr. Lalin provides friendly, compassionate care, and is deeply invested in helping you maintain the precious gift of sight. With a focus on patient education, we will always work closely with you to make sure you an informed, active participant in your treatment.
Schedule an appointment at our office today to learn more about central serous retinopathy, and the steps you can take towards recovery.
