The macula is the central area of the retina, which is responsible for detailed vision such as reading. With CSR there is a blister-like bubble, which appears in the macula. This will result in some reduction of vision and blurring, as well as distortion of vision. Things in the centre of the vision may appear smaller and wavy in appearance over a fairly well-defined area. It usually occurs in one eye.
Men are more frequently affected but it may be triggered by pregnancy. It has been suggested that type A personalities are more prone to this condition.
The colour picture shows the blister of sub-retinal fluid, with some OCT images demonstrating the anatomical changes. Fluorescein dye test shows a characteristic smoke stack appearance where there is fluid leakage.
The colour picture shows the blister of sub-retinal fluid, with some OCT images demonstrating the anatomical changes. Fluorescein dye test shows a characteristic smoke stack appearance where there is fluid leakage.
Management
- After examining the retina at the back of the eye a fluorescein angiogram may be ordered. This involves injecting a dye into the arm and taking photographs as the dye passes through the retinal blood vessels at the back of the eye.
- OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomography) uses a scanning laser to make a three dimensional image of the macula, which will demonstrate and document the blister of fluid. See Header image above.
- Amsler chart testing will be used to monitor the progression of the disorder. This can be downloaded from: http://www.macular.org/pdf/amsler.pdf
- Usually the condition is just observed. Typically this settles on its own over a period of two to three months.
Whilst the condition generally resolves (>90%), there may be a subtle area of distortion in the central vision, which will be permanent. This is usually not disabling.
In rare instances, the condition may not settle, or may recur. Gentle application of laser to the leaking site has been beneficial in some people.
