Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC) is an ocular condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision. It is characterized by the accumulation of fluid under the retina, which can cause distortion and loss of central vision.
Symptoms of CSC:
- Blurred or distorted vision: Objects may appear wavy, twisted, or either smaller or larger than normal.
- Central spot or dark area in vision: A dark spot or area may appear in central vision, affecting activities such as reading, driving, and other tasks requiring fine vision.
- Reduced perception of details: Difficulty seeing small objects or reading fine print, even in good lighting conditions.
- Metamorphopsia: Objects may appear misshapen or distorted, with straight lines appearing wavy.
Causes of CSC:
The exact causes of CSC are not fully understood, but several risk factors are associated with its development:
- Stress: Episodes of intense or chronic stress are significant risk factors for CSC.
- Medications: The use of corticosteroids, such as cortisone, can increase the risk of developing CSC.
- Gender: CSC is more common in men than in women.
- Age: It primarily affects individuals between 30 and 50 years old.
- Family history: Having family members with CSC may increase the risk of developing the condition.
Diagnosis of CSC:
The diagnosis of CSC is based on a combination of ophthalmologic examinations performed by a retina specialist:
- Dilated retinal examination: This allows the specialist to observe the macula and detect the presence of fluid accumulation.
- Fluorescein angiography: This technique uses a fluorescent dye to evaluate blood flow in the retina and detect potential fluid leaks.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging technique provides a detailed image of the retina and accurately measures fluid accumulation under the macula.