Central serous retinopathy (CSR)
This is where fluid develops under the retinal layers at the macula. The typical history is of a blurred patch in the central vision in one eye. This may cause distortion (straight lines appear wavy/distorted/curved) and affects both near and distance vision. Peripheral vision is retained. It is typically unilateral and affects young males 20-40. There is some evidence it can be associated with steroid use and to anxiety and high stress. However, despite these associations with type A personalities there is no evidence that reducing stress levels will prevent its recurrence. It resolves spontaneously over a few weeks to months. Many only have one episode however a small number go on to develop a chronic retinopathy with recurrent episodes which can also be bilateral.
