Central serous choroidopathy is a disease that causes fluid to build up under the retina, the part of the eye that sends sight information to the brain. The fluid leaks from the blood vessel layer under the retina. This area is called the choroid.

The cause of this condition is unknown. Most patients are young men with aggressive, "type A" personalities, but anyone can be affected.

Stress appears to be a risk factor. The condition can also occur as a complication of steroid drug use.

• Dim and blurred blind spot in the center of vision
• Distortion of straight lines with the affected eye
• Objects appearing smaller or farther away with the affected eye

Your health care provider can usually diagnose central serous choroidopathy by dilating the eye and performing an eye exam. Fluorescein angiography confirms the diagnosis.

Most cases clear up without treatment in 1 or 2 months. Patients with more severe leakage and more severe visual loss, or those in whom the disease lasts longer, may be helped by laser treatment to seal the leak.

Patients who are using steroid drugs (for example, to treat autoimmune diseases) should discontinue their use if possible. Any change in steroid drug use in these conditions MUST be under the supervision of a physician.

Most patients recover good vision without treatment. The disease returns in about half of all patients, and has a similarly good outlook. Rarely, patients develop permanent scars that damage their central vision.

A small number of patients will have complications of laser treatment that impair central vision. That is why most patients will be allowed to recover without treatment.

Call your health care provider if visual symptoms worsen.

There is no known prevention. Although there is a clear association with stress, there is no evidence that tranquilizer drugs have any benefit in preventing or treating central serous choroidopathy.