Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)

[qqura1]

Hi,
I have been identified for the CSR on Apr/2/07 by my Opthamologies (Retina Specialist)

Blurred vision on Right side eye
I can see objects but center potion is black/grayish
Not able to see written letters/TV/computer
Can able to see big objects but not clearly
Did flourescein angiogram test and the leak is very near to pupil

I'm normally healthy person (except for my cold/cough)
Is there any nutrition I need to follow?
Any vitamins I need to eat to help Rentia to come back normal?
I'm going for Yoga classes.
Is the Laser treatment is not advisable?
Any alternate treatment availble?
Any great DR you can recommend in Austin or Texas?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[aimee37]

I was dx'd with CSR in January 07.  Was also told that it was self-limiting, but after 4 months tried one injection of Avastin which gave good results after two weeks.  Lettering which had been distorted before the injection now became straight, and all vision normal except for the circle still seen when my eyes were closed or just when immediately opened.  6 weeks after the injection, lettering became distorted again and a new symptom appeared.  Faces on pictures I've had for years looked distorted on one side, as if they were melting into the other side of the face.  A repeat OCT showed the swelling going down even more, so this may just be related to the resolving edema and hopefully will go back to normal eventually.  It is going on 6 months since it first started though.  Hope this is helpful to someone

[aimee37]

There is a published, peer-reviewed treatment for CSR that uses Photodynamic Therapy to seal the leak without damage to the macula.  Published in the American Journal of Opthalmology, June 2004, Vol. 137, No. 6, page 1073.  This worked in my case with excellent results after my CSR did not spontaneously resolve after repeated occurences which did resolve themselves.

Be aware that too many retinal specialists tend to be sanguine about the condition because it usually does resolve spontaneously and most believe no acceptable treatment is available.

The study was published by two of the Physicians of Retina-Vitreos Associates of Los angeles, CA, for whom I went for treatment.

[aimee37]

My husband was recenlty diagnosed with  CSR as you.  We went to a couple of doctors for definite diganosis and went to a retina specialist in NY city.  We are told it is self limiting.  You can do what you want and it does not pose a threat to the eye.  The specialist recommends a four month wait period because in most of the cases the body heals itself with in this time frame. We were told there are two options, one is laser surgery which poses risks and the other I am sorry do not remember the name, but it is less invasive and they shoot tiny pulses of light into the eye which I believe is the least likley to cause damage comparing to a laser.    But there website is www.vtmny.com if you want to check them out.  they are top in there field and are currently doing studies on CSR.  Oh yeah stress is a major factor.  

[aimee37]

"Do you have any specific DR that you like in Austin Rentina Associates?"

no.

"How it is related to stress? Do I need to check cortisol level for this?"

dont know about cortisol.  but according to studies, the "typical" CSR patient is usually a "type-A" male with a high stress profession.

"Is relaxation technique helps?"

well, if the condition was caused or influenced by stress, then probably.

"Is sex or any other excitment will worsen the CSR?"

hmm.  dont really no.  my 1st inclination is to say "no", but i have to admit that i dont know.

"As I'm working in software, can I continue my work?"

i'm sure there are many opinions on this. mine is "probably".

"I look computer 10 hours/day and 1 or 2 hours of TV. Do I need to reduce those? It is not due to to eye strain correct?"

yes, not due to eyestrain.

"Any idea about the intraocular injections of Lucentis or Avastin? I mean about safetly, chances to get cure, etc."

this is somethign you need to discuss with the surgeon or doctor who made your diagnosis.  but it is my understanding that CSR is usually self-resolving and usually left untreated.  the drugs you mentionend are usually used in wet mec degen.

[Forum-OD-MP]

.

[aimee37]

Some people with leaks are receiving intraocular injections of Lucentis or Avastin (less expensive than Lucentis). These treatments to stop the leaks became available last year.  

[aimee37]

OK Thanks Forum OD_RMP. More questions here

Do you have any specific DR that you like in Austin Rentina Associates?

How it is related to stress? Do I need to check cortisol level for this?

Is relaxation technique helps?

Is sex or any other excitment will worsen the CSR?

As I'm working in software, can I continue my work?
I look computer 10 hours/day and 1 or 2 hours of TV. Do I need to reduce those? It is not due to to eye strain correct?

Any idea about the intraocular injections of Lucentis or Avastin? I mean about safetly, chances to get cure, etc.

Thanks for your help DR.

[aimee37]

Not the forum moderator- but from patient experience I can tell you that laser treatment is sometimes performed- but it depends on where the leak is. Vitamins do not HELP CSR but obviously it wouldn't hurt to take them.

[aimee37]

"Is there any nutrition I need to follow?"

no.

"Any vitamins I need to eat to help Rentia to come back normal?"

no

"Is the Laser treatment is not advisable?

well i'm not a surgeon, but i dont think there is any active treatment for CSR.  pretty much all you can do is wait and see.  focal laser treatments are both radical and AFAIK reserved for wet macular degeneration

"Any alternate treatment availble?"

not that i know of

"Any great DR you can recommend in Austin or Texas?"

i've had good experiences with austin retina associates