Central serous retinopathy and macular degeneration both affect the retinas in your eyes, but one does not lead to the other. They share similar symptoms but have differing causes and risk factors.

Central serous retinopathy (CSR) and macular degeneration are two types of retinal diseases that can affect your vision.

CSR, also called central serous chorioretinopathy, can cause serious complications if left untreated. However, it does not lead to macular degeneration.

This article takes a closer look at the relationship, similarities, and differences between CSR and macular degeneration.

CSR and macular degeneration both affect the retina in your eyes but in different ways.

The retina contains light-sensitive tissues and is located in the back of your eye. When it encounters light, it sends signals to your brain via the optic nerve.

Since both conditions involve parts of the retina in the eye, CSR and macular degeneration can share similar symptoms. However, each has different clinical signs, causes, and risk factors.

In CSR, there are pinpoint defects in the retinal pigment epithelium that allow fluid to get through and build up in the retina.

In dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there is a buildup of material in the choroid. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels from the choroid grow underneath the retina.

In their late stages, CSR and wet AMD resemble each other: They both cause fluid in the retina. However, the mechanism behind how the fluid got there is very different, and the treatment for each type of condition is also very different.

Symptoms of CSR may include:

  • blurriness or distortion in your central vision
  • straight lines that look distorted, bent, or crooked
  • dark spots in your central vision
  • problems with seeing objects that are far away

Typically, CSR affects one eye only. However, some people experience symptoms in both eyes.

CSR is caused by fluid leakage in the retina, and it’s most common in males between the ages of 30 and 50, though it can affect all adults.

Common risk factors for CSR

Common risk factors for CSR include:

It’s not clear whether CSR is hereditary, but it’s thought that about half of people who have CSR also have a family member with it.

Can stress cause CSR?

Stress is another known risk factor for CSR development. In particular, high levels of stress or chronic stress may be major contributors to this eye disease.

Macular degeneration involves damage and scarring of the macular in your eye. Also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), this eye disease can further be classified as either wet or dry.

Macular degeneration usually doesn’t cause symptoms until the condition has progressed. If you do have symptoms, you may experience:

  • blurry vision
  • loss of central vision
  • inability to see objects both near and far
  • gradual vision changes (more common in dry AMD)

AMD is considered very common, and it primarily affects adults over the age of 50. Dry AMD is the most common type, while wet AMD is more serious, though not as common.

Common risk factors for macular degeneration

Aside from age, other possible risk factors for macular degeneration include:

Is retinopathy related to macular degeneration?

Retinopathy refers to a disease of the retina only, while macular degeneration occurs from damage to the macula. However, it is also possible to have retinopathy and macular degeneration at the same time.

Is CSR linked to other health conditions?

CSR may be linked to anxiety and high levels of stress. Other contributing health conditions include Cushing syndrome and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.

An ophthalmologist will order tests to help diagnose CSR and also rule out other retinal eye conditions like macular degeneration. Examples include fluorescein angiography and an optical coherence tomography scan.

Is macular degeneration linked to other health conditions?

Macular degeneration is common with older age, but it may also be linked with certain health conditions. These include hypertension, heart disease, and obesity.

Is CSR a permanent condition?

CSR is considered temporary, with most cases resolving on their own within 1 to 2 months. However, some people require treatment for severe retinal leakage and vision problems.

Vision loss can occur in severe and untreated CSR. About half of people who develop CSR may have recurring cases.

Is there anything you can do to prevent CSR?

CSR itself may not be preventable. However, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing CSR by managing stress, as well as any underlying health conditions you have.

In some cases, a doctor may manage your treatment plan if prescription medications are thought to contribute to CSR. Also, once you’ve had CSR, regular eye exams are important to detect and promptly treat recurring cases of this eye condition.

Is there anything you can do to prevent macular degeneration?

There are lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent macular degeneration and to help slow its progression. For example, a doctor might recommend that you eat certain foods that contain eye-healthy nutrients, such as dark leafy greens, fish, and yellow produce items.

CSR and macular degeneration are both retinal eye diseases, and they can both cause problems with your vision. However, these are two separate conditions, and one cannot lead to the other.

CSR is a short-term condition caused by underlying health problems, stress, or medications. It may resolve itself and then recur. Macular degeneration is a progressive condition that’s common with age.

CSR develops from retinal fluid buildup, while macular degeneration is caused by damage to the macula inside the retina.

If you have concerns about either condition or if you’re experiencing concerning vision changes, visit an eye doctor for evaluation and treatment.