Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Central Serous Chorioretinopathy?
An ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor) diagnoses and treats central serous chorioretinopathy. The retina is the back part of the inner eye. It sends sight information to the brain. This condition affects the retina, so an eye specialist is the right doctor to see. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is central serous chorioretinopathy?
Central serous chorioretinopathy is a disease that causes fluid to build up under the retina. The fluid leaks from the choroid, the blood vessel layer under the retina. The buildup forms a small blister-like swelling that distorts vision.
It usually affects just one eye at a time. But both eyes can be affected at once. It is also called central serous retinopathy or central serous choroidopathy.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- Distorted, dimmed, or blurred central vision.
- A dark or dim blind spot in the center of vision.
- Straight lines that look bent, crooked, or irregular.
- Objects that appear smaller or farther away than they are.
- White objects that look duller or a different color.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause is unknown. People between 35 and 55 years old are more likely to develop it, and men are affected more often than women. Anyone can get it.
Stress appears to be a risk factor. Early studies found that people with aggressive "type A" personalities who are under a lot of stress may be more likely to develop it. The condition can also occur as a complication of steroid use. Corticosteroids taken by mouth, put on the skin, inhaled, or injected are all risk factors. Other risk factors include pregnancy, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea (a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep), Cushing syndrome (a hormone disorder with high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone), lupus, and medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
How doctors diagnose it
An eye doctor can most often diagnose it by dilating the eye. This means widening the pupil with drops so the retina can be seen. Fluorescein angiography confirms the diagnosis. For this test, an orange dye is injected into a vein in the arm. Photographs then show where the dye leaks in the eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can also be used. It is a noninvasive scan that takes detailed 3D pictures of the retina.
Treatment
Most cases clear up without treatment in 1 to 2 months. Most people recover good vision, though it is often not quite as sharp as before. The disease returns in about half of all people. Regular follow-up exams matter, because fluid that stays under the retina for a long time can cause permanent vision loss.
For severe leakage, lasting fluid, or long-standing disease, laser treatment or photodynamic therapy can seal the leak. Some people are treated with oral medicines. People using steroid medicines should ask their doctor about stopping them if possible. Do not stop steroids on your own without talking to your provider first.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if your vision gets worse. Fluid that stays under the retina for a long time can cause permanent vision loss. Rarely, people develop permanent scars that harm central vision.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. They can review your medicines for steroids that may be involved. They can also track follow-up visits and work with your eye doctor over the months of recovery.
Common questions
Does central serous chorioretinopathy go away on its own?
Most cases clear up without treatment in 1 to 2 months. Most people recover good vision, but vision may not be as good as it was before. About half of people have it return at some point.
Can stress cause it?
Stress appears to be a risk factor, and people with "type A" personalities under a lot of stress may be more likely to develop it. However, there is no evidence that reducing stress prevents or treats the condition.
Do steroid medicines play a role?
Yes, the condition can occur as a complication of steroid medicines, including pills, injections, inhalers, and skin creams. People using steroids should ask their provider about stopping them if possible, but should never stop without medical guidance.
Can it cause permanent vision loss?
Most people regain good vision. But long-term fluid buildup can lead to permanent vision loss, and rarely people develop permanent scars that damage central vision. Regular follow-up exams with an ophthalmologist help catch this early.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Central serous choroidopathy
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - What is Central Serous Chorioretinopathy?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
