It’s been a little more than 5 weeks since my vision in my right eye went blurry.
In this post, beyond telling the story, I want to document what’s happening for future reference. So bare with me if I get a bit too detailed.
The blurriness on my right eye, as I recall, became apparent in a matter of days. Since starting working at Snaptech Marketing I’ve been staring at a screen more than usual so I thought I was just straining my eyes.
The First Optometrist: Dr. Gandham (Feb 16th, 2010)
On February 16th, a couple of days after first noticing the blurriness and it was obvious this was not normal, I went to the optometrist. I told Dr. Gandham the reason for coming in was my blurry right eye. He did the routine check, dilated my pupils and used the stereotypical equipment to look inside my eye.
“Your eyes are totally healthy”, he said. He then tested my vision and, indeed; I needed glasses. So I left the doctor’s office with my new prescription. I didn’t buy the glasses because I wanted to shop around. It was my chance to look intellectual and I wasn’t going to blow it with the first pair that crossed me.
So I took my time.
The Second Optometrist: Dr. Danielson (Feb 18th, 2010)
Two days later after Dr. Gandham I was definitely sure this was not an regular “you need glasses” case. My vision was blurry right in the middle of my sight. If I looked a few inches to the right of the screen I could see things clearly. But once I looked back, the blurriness followed.
My peripherals were working fine, it was the centre, middle, bulls-eye vision that was blurry.
At this point I decided to go back to the doctor and op-in for that retinal colour picture. It was an extra $45 so I told Dr. Ghandam to take it if necessary.
Dr. Denielson, a older and more boring looking guy, took me in and took the pictures. “Your eyes look healthy…” But when he tested my vision he said that I couldn’t see 20/40 and agreed that it wasn’t normal. So eye send me to the “eye-surgeon”.
I don’t know about you, but if an optometrist tells me I need to go to the “eye-surgeon”, my first thought is “surgery”. That’s what “surgeon” means, right?!
So I got an appointment to what I thought was take my eye out.
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The Third Optometrist: Me
After that prognosis I did what most people, smart and stupid, would do: research the Internet… After reading a few posts talking about similar symptoms, I was worried I had ocular herpes.
…I’ll stop right there.
The Eye Surgeon: Dr. Boyd (Feb 22nd, 2010)
Dr. Danielson referred me to Dr. Boyd, whom he labeled as, “The Eye Surgeon”…
In preparation for what I thought was going to be eye surgery, I researched Dr. Boyd on RateMds.com. Most people had bad things to say, he was rude, impatient, impolite… To which I thought, “Great! This guy is the Dr. House of eyes!” After all, no one had complained about anything but personality. (…and I wanted to convince myself that this guy was good).
So I got to Dr. Boyd’s, he dilates pupils, looks into my eye “hmmmm… I think you have a little bit of swelling there…”.
Okay, first of all, this was a blow to my respect for the first two doctors. How can Dr. Boyd see the swelling in the first 5 seconds looking into my eye, using the same instruments as the first two?! (Perhaps he really is the Dr. House of eyes).
Dr. Boyd explains that I have “Choroidopathy”, also known as “Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)” or just “Retinopathy”.
This condition’s causes are unknown but there’s a connection between CSR and stress or Type A personalities. I’m not Type A, that’s for sure. But maybe I was stressed.
(All this happened amidst the end of my probation period at work, a breakup, and refinancing my apartment. But I didn’t feel stressed. Perhaps I wasn’t listening to my body. Perhaps I’m not listening now, because it’s not going away yet. )
Treatment? Walk it off! Chances of recovery are excellent, according to the doctors and everyone I ask, but it can up to 2 months. I’ve already passed the one month mark, so I hope this goes away in the following days.
Today
I just came back from another optometrist who fitted me with contact lenses, Dr. Ho (Metrotown). I’ve been reluctant to buy lenses because the prescription on my right eye is uncertain. But I’ll buy a cheap pair from clearlycontacts.ca and go from there.
…a few months later, in June.
All is back to normal. They were a scary few weeks, but all is good now.
I kept the lenses thought, it turns out that my left eye is the bad one. Not a huge difference, but I do see more comfortably with glasses especially when reading or looking at the computer.
The End…
…so I thought.
Update: April 6th, 2011 (One Year Later)
Mother%@#&$!… it’s coming back – same eye. The blurriness is not as defined as last year, but is not as strong either.
I’m not sure why. They say CSR is related to stress, and I am under relatively high stress, but not nearly as most people around me.
A year ago, when it first came about, I also thought to myself, “man, I know I’m a bit stressed… ending a relationship and work pressure, but if this is stressful enough to get an eye blister, all non-millionaire parents would be blind…”
There is one suspect, though. Both times I was from being with someone to being alone, which made me crank my work out routine. Every time I do that, I start drinking protein shakes almost daily.
My suspect, the protein supplement. I’ll give you of the supplement, which hasn’t changed in the the last two years since I don’t drink it regularly.
It might be a bit far fetched, but it’s all I have now.
Second Visit: Dr. Boyd (May 31st, 2011)
I managed to go to my local walk-in clinic and get a referral for Dr. Boyd as I knew what was wrong. After a few questions, the family doctor referred me. Though I think just wanted to get rid of me.
Once in Dr. Boyd’s office he was a bit puzzled about (a) why a family doctor referred me so easily and (b) why was I there.
I’ve been using this post as a diary and I forgot an key entry, “Dr. Chui”. Boyd referred me to Chui, she was the specialist for “the back” of the eye.
So after a couple of minutes, I was making another appointment with Dr. Chui.
Dr. Lica Chui (July 13th)
I actually saw Dr. Lica Chui last week, but let’s consolidate entries here. She remembered me. But just because I didn’t cancel my appointment after getting better last year 🙁
Today I had an appointment with the UBC VGH Eye Care Center in Vancouver. They did a fluorescein angiogram. The nurse recognized me from last year. He said, “I remember you from last year. You passed out, right?” I guess it’s good to be memorable like that.
Anywho, after the angiogram I went straight to Dr. Chui’s. She loads the pictures on her computer and explains what’s happening and that we could laser the area since is far away from the optic nerve.
I thought she was just being hypothetical. No, she meant right now.
Laser Time
I had to decide right there if I wanted the laser. At first I said no because of the risk. But then Lica told me that the other risk is that I’ve had the CSR for 4 months now and that having water there for so long might affect my vision permanently. (And now I’m closing my eye as I type, self-conscious).
Then I said yes.
We went to a different room and she took what it looked like a contact lens attached to a small magnifying glass, put some gel on the contact lens-looking part and stuck it on my eye. She then said the good ol’ “look straight”. As I obliged I saw green flashes. like 1 every 3-5 seconds. After 10 flashes or so, it was done.
My vision is still the same. But theoretically it will go back to normal in a few weeks as the leak is sealed. Let’s see.
…this post just got super long, eh?
Dr. Lica Chui (November 10th, 2011)
The laser worked!
I went to my follow up appointment and to make sure everything was good and, well, everything was good! I was also able to get my eye images, photos, pictures (I’m not sure what would be the technical name for it). So I’ll be posting them here in the next few weeks.
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Dr. Lica Chui (June 6th, 2012)
Just a follow up…
My vision has been good since the last year. The laser seemed to work as expected, and we all live happily ever after… that was “ending A’.
What actually happened? Dr. Chui looked at my eyes and there’s some fluid in there… Well, F%$#!
The “spill” it’s not near the area that affects my vision, that’s why my vision is not affected. But has to be dealt with nonetheless. I can only assume it would be a matter of time before it get to my affected area.
Now I have to go get another fluorescein angiogram – scheduled for next week – in preparation for more laser…
…*sigh*…
Dr. Lica Chui (June 27, 2012)
Today I got some cool images from Dr. Chui.
She reviewed the results from the fluorescein angiogram and pointed out where the likely source of fluid is this time. It’s really far from the nerve so the recommendation here was to use the laser and control this episode before it affects my vision.
So laser once again, I did…
Bonus, today I remembered to bring my sun glasses 🙂
This eye thing is getting on my nerves… but I least I can make a pun out of it 🙂
I’ll be heading back to Dr. Chui’s in a couple of days to see the results. Hopefully everything will be find and dandy.
NOTE: Lately, every now and then I feel unusual about my eye. It’s not pain or blurry vision, it feels 1% odd, not sure how to describe it…. maybe “tender” would be a good word? I’m not sure if it’s because of I’m self-conscious about it or what. But I’ll bring this up to Dr. Chui.
It’s been great hearing from people in the comments. Thanks for posting.
Coffee Observation (July 30th)
Today I stumbled against a blog post relating a CSR story similar to mine. In the comments section there are some folks referencing the use of caffeine with CSR.
I drink 1-2 cups of coffee a day, sometimes more. Could it be?
Then I came across this other article recommending the same thing. Give up coffee? Damn, in Vancouver coffee is great. And it’s part of social life.
…thinking about quitting coffee. I don’t think I could give up dark chocolate.
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Agghh!! CSR Is Frustrating!
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Flight or Flight = Stress = No Good (Sep 5th, 2012)
Last month I put myself in a ‘fight or flight’ situation. I won’t go into too much detail but to make a long story short, I almost got into a fight. This is the first time I’m aware of my stress symptoms – trembling hands, dry mouth, fast heart beat. As the situation developed, I was very conscious about the CSR thinking “this can’t be good for the eye.” Well, surprise, surprise, it wasn’t.
Today Dr. Chui told me the situation has changed to the worse.
No Stress = Better (October 3rd, 2012)
Just a follow up, things are better. Still kicking myself for putting myself into a rough situation a while back.
Women… surely they cause 80% or all CSR out there.
Keep getting better (November 7th, 2012)
Things are getting better. Yay!
…and better! (November 28, 2012)
During the last three months I hvae been drinking carrot and beet juice once a week or so. Trying to elevate the amount of carrots I consume, etc. Nothing to the extreme though. Everything seems to be working now. I moved down town so I’m sleeping a bit more. I’m also walking to work.
All of these things seem to have translated into less stress and better situation for the eye.
Right Eye Much Better, Left Eye Now Affected (December 27th, 2012)
My left eye, really?! F#@*K!
I just came from the doctor and she spotted a leak in the left eye. My left eye has been without any problems until today. What the heck?!
I’m trying to think what have I done differently.
The one thing I can think right now is my squash playing intensity. Since everything has been going well, I have resumed my squash playing intensity. There’s one particular exercise called “court sprints”, which could be considered somewhat stressful. It’s basically running up and down the court as fast as you can.
A couple of weeks ago I was running against a player in better condition and I pushed myself for 3 mintues or so… I even got a bit dizzy. But could that be it?
Update (December 21, 2013)
This year my condition went back and forth. I got laser a couple of times in the beginning and middle of the year and now is barely noticeable. It’s still there, but barely noticeable.
My CSR is not near central vision, so my blind spot is not as bothersome. I’ve accepted, however, that my blind spot will likely not go away.
I still try to eat carrots and goji berries when stressed, but my life has been pretty normal. I’ve returned to playing squash, drinking coffee (though in less amounts), and just trying to avoid stress if at all possible – though sometimes is just unavoidable.
*Sigh* …Now On the Left Eye, Japan (November 2014)
Yep. Seems my left eye felt a bit lonely from all the attention the right eye has gotten throughout the last few years. And so I now have the strongest CSR episode on my left eye.
What a contrast of feelings. Whereas when I first got it on my right eye I was in relative panic, thinking I would lose my eyesight or suffered from ocular gonorrhoea (no joke, read the beginning of this post), this time I feel frustrated and a bit angry. I mean, COMMON! …but, it is not the time to get angry.
Factors that happened this year that could have affected my cortisol levels / induced this Central pain in the serous retinopathy’s arse.
- Moving to a new country / city
- Changing jobs
- Getting engaged and civil marriage
- Becoming a citizen of a new country
So, big changes. But things have gone relatively smooth. So I’m unsure why my eye is freaking out.
I went to a regular eye doctor, explained what I had in broken Japanese (my wife helped) and I was referred to 昭和大学病院附属東病院 (Showa University Hospital Fuzokuhigashi) a university hospital.
The doctor did the typical tests of looking a the blurry thing, burst of air… and when it came to the OCT, there was a monitor right in front of me showing the live feed from the machine! It was cool to see my eye real time but distracting as hell because I had to look forward and not to the screen where the results where being showed.
As for the prescription, beyond the “relax” part which was expected the doctor recommended alternative medicine kanpo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kampo).
Hoping for this to go away quickly now 🙂
Left Eye, Top Right Field of Vision, Japan (June 2016)
Last month I noticed a clear blur on my left eye, top right part field of vision. I usually check by staring into a fixed spot and wiggling my fingers around my field of vision. They typically disappear on the trouble spot – all of this while I look like a crazy person.
Thought this still comes and goes about once a year, I think it’s good to say I have a new suspect: beer.
I don’t drink much but every now and then I go out with friends or coworkers for a few beers – something I assume everyone does 🙂 My eye acting up and the last beer outing were relatively close to each other. Could this be a trigger? I really hope not, because I do like going out for a beer every now and then.
One thing is for sure, every time I notice a spot I stop coffee, beer, check the hours I’m putting at work, make sure I’m eating relatively healthy, and also check if I’m actually doing exercise so that I can relax. These seem to be the variables that put things back into shape for my eye.
It’s July now, and things on my left eye have calmed down, I’m having a latte.
I’ll keep an eye on… my eye… next time I go for beers. But if you have had this as a trigger, please let me know.
Vision is Good, Japan (June 2017)
It’s been a year since my last post and thought it would be good to make an update.
The last year has been without incident, for the most part. At night, when I’m feeding a bottle to my daughter in the dark I can clearly notice a blurry spot that doesn’t allow me to see well in the dark. During the day, if it’s bright, I don’t notice it. When indoors and dim lighting I can find my blind spot if I look for it by fixing my sight and wiggling my finger across my field of vision until it disappears of blurs – but it’s not an issue.
So far my case is completely under control. Interestingly, I just went through the first year of my first born. That means high stress and little sleep, yet my eyes are as a good as they can be…
Hi There, CSR – Japan (April 2018)
A few weeks ago I had my annual checkout, which included a retinal image. This is the first time I am able to see the CSR at a glance on the retinal image. My vision is not bad though.
This week (4/4) I went back to Showa University Hospital Fuzokuhigashi. I got to check my eyesight, retinal exam and OCT (side note, the bill for the visit and exams was JPY 1,917 or about USD $15. This is covered under my issuance, but also under national insurance). I have another appointment for next Wednesday.
Meh, It’s back. Japan (March 2020)
I’ve been having a mild case since November last year. I went for my yearly checkup and the doctor, probably unfamiliar with my situation, saw a bunch scars and who knows what from previous laser treatments and gave me a look saying, “I believe your eye will self destroy in 10 seconds.” Of course he sent me to a specialist. I still need to go.
I sometimes feel I’m being too complacent.
Ten years sound like a long time until I read some of the comments here. There is one person in their 60s that has had CSR since their 20s. No time for complacency.
Stressful factors in my life now include family, work and completing Masters graduate program. This last one is eating my sleeping time, and I think that might be a contributing factor.
Let’s hope people with CSR are immune to the Coronavirus COVID-19.
Showa University Hospital (昭和大学病院東), Tokyo (March 2021)
Today I am writing this as a wait for the regular battery of eye-related test – blast of air, focus on the blurry the balloon, “tell me, where is this shaping facing, up? down? left? right?, this kind of thing.
I am here not because I feel any worse, but because when I went to my annual checkup, the took a picture of the back of the eye and, without knowing my history, I assume the doctor freaked out at the image (looks like the moon considering the laser scars) and asked me to urgently go to a specialist. So here I am.
I went back a few days later, they wanted to do another fluorescein angiogram just to make sure. So I did.
Reality Check 2021, The Future – Dr. Toujou (Need to find the Kanji for the name).
Later I went back for the consultations on the results. I have leak – cue me rolling my eyes and having my internal voice say “again…”. Let’s review some of the images:
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The doctor must have felt my indifference. After all, it’s not affecting my vision…. so big woop.
She then continued to explain that even though my vision is relatively fine, I should pay attention to the conditions of the leaks. This is because the retina getting detached (by fluid) over and over will eventually increase the risk of more serious issues when older. That was a bit scary to hear.
The recommendation is to cauterize the source of the leak with lasers – maybe? She feels it is a close call and, even if the decision is to do this, I would need to go to a different hospital with a more specialized machine. The machine they have there is for when the area to be lasered is away from the optical nerve.
I decide to proceed with the laser. She writes an introduction letter for the other, bigger hospital – St. Luke’s International Hospital – 聖路加国際病院.
St. Luke’s International Hospital – 聖路加国際病院 (2021, May)
By now I’ve been two times to this hospital. The first one (April), was an initial consultation. The doctor, the youngest looking doctor I’ve had in my life (early 30’s tops), mentions I need to have….. a fluorescein angiography – tada!
I said I just had one last month but he mentioned I needed a new one. Not only the hospitals cannot share this information (what?!) but the procedure at their hospital includes something they didn’t include at the Showa University hospital.
Most of the times I go for something related to my eye I mention that I am keeping a blog and ask if I can take a picture. This time two unprecedented things happened. First, when I got hooked up I asked the nurse if it was OK to take a picture of my arm. She said yes (no one ever has said no to that), but for the first time she offered to take a picture.
Then they hook up the dye, and this time it is two dyes, I ask if I can take a picture of my arm. The other unprecedented thing happened, this nurse told me no. “Sorry, no photos a the hospital”. When I clarified that I’m just pointing at my arm, she insisted, no.
I was not going to throw the previous nurse under the bus, but I was bummed out that she didn’t let me take any more picture because the dye was red and it looked cool. It is typically clear, if I remember correctly.
So in a few weeks I will go back to hear my results and see if I need the laser. The young doctor did mention that, from consulting with other doctors, it seemed like I will likely not need laser…. let’s see.
Dr. Vanessa Wong – Ottawa – Kanata Optometry Centre (Jan 2024)
Well, it was a nice run, but it’s back. I noticed the original blurry spot a couple of weeks ago. I’m not sure if it is the original, but it did remind me of the first time I had it.
I went to Kanata Optometry Centre here in Ottawa. Considering it was an “Optometry Centre” I was expecting to have a brief consultation and a referral to an “Ophthalmology Centre”. To my surprise, they were able to do the OCT (which by the way, stands for Optical Coherence Tomography – I just found that out) and… well, I guess there is not much they can say that I don’t expect.
I liked Dr. Wong. She came across as knowledgeable and approachable. Thankfully, it was the same story. I have it, a bit near the macula but not too critical. (I’ve read some comments here…).
It does look more dramatic than previous
Here’s another view showing the double whammy
Seems the left eye also wants to join the party. Let’s meditate so that doesn’t happen.
Dr. Wong said they will send the images to a specialist and they would follow up. I am looking forward to their call because there is one more image I forgot to take a photo of.
So, what the fk happened?!
Guesses, I suppose. They say there is no clear-cut reason for CSR, but stress is a factor. If I’m forced to come up with a reason, I have real strong candidate.
For the most part, 2023 was one of a hell of a stressful year – from all sides. My manager changed, my primary job role changed, family dynamics were challenging… It was tough, relatively speaking. The thing is, things got better in Q4, and this comes up now. Maybe there is a delayed reaction to the stressful action?
I’ve always been weary of stressful events, like almost getting into a fight at the start of this blog post (picture me rolling my eyes at the stupidity of it all)… but maybe it is not one stressful event but a prolonged stressful environment?
Not sure.
What now?
I take these episodes as a reminder to fine tune balance in my life. Am I not exercising? Eating properly? Sleeping enough? All of these things I’d give a low marks to my current lifestyle. So I’ll aim to improve.
Also, I take a break from coffee. I’m not sure that has any effect, but I welcome the challenge. I really like coffee.
Dr Thomas Lee – Ottawa – The Retina Center (Feb 2, 2024)
I got referred by Dr. Lee by Dr. Wong. This was the shortest interaction I’ve had with a doctor.
I came in. After a few minutes nurse dilated pupils, *snap* *snap* photos, etc. I waited, then called in to see the doctor.
Dr. Lee was in the room about 5 minutes. It was an efficient 5 minutes, but still… He reinforced the warning I had heard in Japan. Just because I can go about with my life with a little CSR it doesn’t mean it’s OK. “It’s like having a flooded basement. You have to deal with it or have consequences later.” He also gave me a new piece of information. “There has been new research in this subject and you probably have Pachychoroid “. Ahem. Say what?
Here is an article with more medical lingo, but in short pachy means “thick” and choroid means choroid.
There is new research that suggests most cases of CSR are because of Pachychoroid (having a thick choroid)”
Dr. Thomas Lee from Ottawa Retina Centre
The comment checks out. I’ve been researching the term and seems there are talks suggesting that CRS is linked to an anatomical anomaly, not stress, coffee, exercise, work, cleanliness, or the other list of reasons we have to theorize is causing this. it’s not definitive, but I hope they find clarity in what causes it and, in turn, how to fix it.
Fluoresceine Angiogram @ Ottawa Riverside Medical – March 7, 2024
When to Ottawa Riverside Hospital (or campus) for the test. Nothing out of the ordinary. Everyone in the hospital was nice. I got there early, at around 8:50am, I was out before 11:00am. It was good.
They called me saying the doctor had received the results and said I could come see him… in June! The hospital person who was calling treated it as “good news, it means nothing critical is happening”. Still, why wait more than 2 months to review the results? Even if it is nothing, you’d figure it would be better to review tests results soon after their results… I feel like these results would expire in two months.
That said, what do I know… let’s see what Dr. Lee says.
Follow up – Dr. Lee – (June 2024)
As suspected, there are leaks. Dr. Lee recommended laser – the less invasive laser that cauterizes the source of leaks – and so he did it. Not much to say here. but let me share a couple of images.
A side, note, Dr. Lee is not the talkative type. He’s professional and responds with nice tone, but no warm-up chit-chat, weather talk, or sharing about your pet – lucky if you get a “how are you?” at first or “take care” at the end.
“Schedule a follow up in 2 to 3 months” and he was gone.
Follow up – Dr. Lee – (September 2024)
It’s been three months since the laser was done. I’m sitting at the doctor updating this, about to understand the follow up. Yet, before I could write much, I was called and my pupils dilated.
And more LASER. My left eye is looking good but the right eye, apparently, needs a little bit more pew pew. And so it was done.
And just like last time, “schedule a follow up in 2 to 3 months,” and he was gone.
Clarification: this is a blog post on my particular case. I’m happy to hear many of you are finding a sense of empathy, validation, relief or frustration by having similar accounts, but please don’t have in mind that this is not a forum. A few people have mentioned a few forums you should check out for ongoing conversations.
In my case, I few years back I interacted with this CSR Yahoo Group – some of the folks here are battling worse CSR and for longer than I have – you might want to check them out.
What were the changes you noticed in between first noticing CsR ( Feb 2010) and it went away ( June 2010) ?
Thanks for writing this blog, it makes me feel better knowing that others understand how upsetting this condition is. I have had problems for over 10 years starting with my right eye ( at least 6 occurrences) followed by my left eye. My right eye has distorted vision but my left eye seems to compensate for it. Now my left eye is on its second episode and I;m scared that it will end up like the other. I have had PDT on my right eye twice and once on my left eye. I went almost two years without a recurrence until recently I got it in my left eye again so I am quite depressed about this. I don’t have elevated cortisol levels (according to tests) and I don’t consider myself a type A personality. I would love to know the cause. I can’t think of anything unusual happening that preceeded my episodes. I have noticed that spring time seems to be when it is most likely to occur. Maybe allergy related? I don’t think PDT is a long term solution as I think that it damaged my vision after the 2nd treatment. They need proper clinical studies to find out what causes this.
Hi Jose, i am having a central serous chorioretinopathy and I work in IT. I found very difficult to work with this condition not making constant mistakes. I was wondering if you kept working during all the process or if you got any sick leave.
One detail I remember in particular is going for a test drive while searching for a new car. The sun had just set, it was dark and it became obvious that my vision was not right. Things were blurry and I was scared to exit the parking lot to the busy street. I actually took a leap of faith and was thankful I didn’t hit anyone. At the moment I got prescription glasses and contacts to correct my vision. As months went by I always tested my vision at night and noticed it was getting better. I also tested my vision by staring at a fixed point in a semi-dark room and wiggling my finger in the affected area, it would disappear from my field of vision. That also got better – though never perfect. I still have that.
I kept working, but I got prescription glasses that corrected my CSR. The first time I got glasses I didn’t know that I had CSR, but it helped. As it went away, the prescription got too strong for me. Just yesterday I new glasses and the optometrist noticed that I had a prescription that was too strong for me. So I’m changing all my glasses.
Agreed. I think it’s easy to get complacent after a few years. I hope someone stumbles on the cause and solution for this.
Yeah, it’s frustrating when you address the suspects and just when you think it’s working, BAM! At least it’s forcing us to live a healthier life 🙂
Take it as an excuse to improve something in your life 🙂
I am having a CSR in my right eye as well for past 4 years. I did not go for a laser treatment as I am too scared of making it even worse. It started with a polo ring kind of thing and gradually it started to affect the entire central vision of my eye.
I tried researching online for solution but could not find a definite answer as to what could be causing it. I am in IT-Software so stress could definitely be a part of it. But then which job does not has stress or physical activity related to it.
In CSR the vision does gets better but then the CSR episodes keeps on repeating and does becomes really depressing. I thought about it a lot and it did not made sense that vision gets better and then another episode withing a month. If it is getting better then definitely body is trying to correct it and we are doing something which is making it bad again.
So I started to stop using or eating certain things to see if my eating habits or using certain things could have been the reason of CSR. I even left drinking alcohol to see if that helps but it came back as always. I started to make note of what i had on each day to understand what I ate just before I again got an episode.
Its been 4 months now.. the longest period since I have not encountered the CSR and my vision is only getting better. I have stopped eating chocolate and any of its products like cakes or hot chocolates or chocolate shakes. If my vision keeps getting better and if the CSR does not comes back then yes chocolate would be a main culprit in my case.
Mind you chocolates have been my favorite and to stop all of its products is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made 🙂 So fingers crossed and hopefully I have found solution to my problem which may have help other people as well looking for answers.
I hope your methods work. Just be ready to believe they’re working for a while only to have an episode come back while only thinking about chocolate… I hope it doesn’t happen… I’m just sayin’, others here are relating this type of story.
Good luck!
Thank you for taking the time to explain your condition. I have been suffering from Central Serous Retinopathy since 2013. It was started as a response to chronic stress and anxiety disorders. The doctor told me that the condition would be temporary back then but I had to go to specialists multiple times. Recently it has become much worse and has turned into a secondary condition which I am extremely concerned about. What have you done about floaters? Did they go away in your experience?
I ‘ve had CSR in my right eye since 2000. The
distortion in my vision finally got bad enough in
2001 that I opted for treatment.
My optometrist noticed a raised area in the back
of my eye and referred me to an eye surgery group.
I had a fluorescein angiogram done and the results
pinpointed the condition more or less dead center in
the eye. The recommendation was against typical laser
treatment, which I would have rejected anyway.
I had a second angiogram 6 months later.
No improvement, and no recommendation for any
further treatment. Case closed, live with it.
Fortunately, the left eye has been spared so far,
and the brain manages to compensate.
When I use the right eye only, the image is very
distorted. People’s faces appear monstrous, straight
lines waiver, increasingly color perception is fading,
and night vision is beyond poor. Reading with
this eye requires strong magnification and intense
lighting.
I was a commercial driver and was forced to memorize
the eye chart to keep my certifications.
My impression based on my experiences and available
data :
This is an uncommon disorder and there is no urgency
to pour a lot of time and money into a cure – not a good
situation for those who have both eyes afflicted.
This is really the most depressing thing I’ve read in my battle with CSR. Are there people that have it once and never again? My blind spot is right above the optic nerve and center of my vision. I’m going crazy right now. MD today said my fluid is almost gone but no change in vision. I’m not sure what to do.
@COB – Feeling a bit desperate seems to happen to most of us, at least for a few moments. Hopefully it will eventually ease up and you’ll be back to normal life in no time. When it comes back you’ll likely retrace your steps for what worked during the first time, and battle it again. Check out the Yahoo! Group linked at the bottom, there are people there with severe episodes that will likely make you feel you don’t have it as bad. It will also help you get some advice. Good luck!
Out of curiosity, how quickly did your symptoms improve? Did it take a full 3-4 months to see improvement or did it start to improve a few weeks in and fully resolve 3-4 months later? Do you still have CSR episodes that impact your vision? I just got my first episode and feel totally helpless.
Hi Jose,
Thank you for your post. Same as you I’m also work in IT area and work alot on PC. I was also drinking beer (more than you;)) and 2 months ago I’ve diagnosed CSR. Last year was very stressed for me. After 2 months of abstinence, less stress and work everything is almost OK with my eye (the blister was quite big). From the beginning till now I’m using Nevanac eye drops. Now about a beer. Maybe the liver disease couses CSR in some cases (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3608037/)?
Good Luck from Poland Guys!
Hello, My husband has been dealing with CSR in his right eye (dominant eye) since June 2018. He is now on his second episode, first encounter was parafoveal (or above his macula not completely affecting his central vision), however now his second episode is taking over ALL of the center portion of his retina.
I work in ophthalmology and have been doing alot of reading, I appreciate your blog as it definitely calms the anxiety of him being the only person dealing with this strange affliction.
I have only encountered one other case like this while working at my office for the past 2 years.
We are considering an oral medication called…spironolactone…a diuretic typically prescribed for hypertension, however in the british ophthalmology journal it has been used to treat recurrent cases of CSR..the idea is to reduce the amount of fluid in the system, in an effort to decrease the fluid in the back of the eye.
50mg per day for 30-60 days barring any side effects.
I was curious to find out whether or not anyone else has tried or heard of this oral therapy for CSR?!
Thanks again for sharing your story!
Has anyone experienced dizziness with csr?
Thank you for your blog. The last time I came to this site was 4 years ago and I book marked it at the time. Happened to be cleaning out my bookmarks today (12-6-18), decided to visit the link and I see that you continue to keep this blog updated. Thank you very much.
It has been 4 years of CSR in my right eye. I can pinpoint the start of my CSR to a specific work incident four years ago. CSR has not gone away. No treatment, it’s probably scarred at this point and I am resigned to my fate. That said, reading through the comments, perhaps I could cut down on chocolate, coffee and perhaps pile on the carrot and beet juice, and see if something changes. I quit the job I had been working for the last 20 years because of the stress. Maybe the change will help.
Regardless, thank you again Jose for keeping folk posted on your situation. Not sure what you expected your writing would lead to, but I can confirm that you are helping others perhaps more than you ever expected.
I had CSR in my right eye on 05/21/2018. I was working in night shifts since 16yrs for an IT company. I stay alone and I too have sleep disorders and I drink vodka alternative days (min 360ml). Dr prescribed me Bcomplex tab & 0.25mg stressnil tab for sleeping purpose. it was cured in a span of 3 months but left some minor color disorders. I left the medication and leading normal since sept, Again on 12/25/2018 a small globe formed in my right eye. I have started taking the same medication and left alcohol and smoking. Let me wait for a month and hope vision will be back. Started doing exercise, yoga and meditation. I really got scared of laser treatment. Thank you all for sharing your experience.
Hey guys
I’m 38 male
Glad there are more of me out there 🙂
I have had CSR for 2 years now
I’m Canadian but live in Thailand for the cold season
I noticed the same blurry symptoms
I have since had 3 lazor eye surgeries
On my eye
The first didn’t work
The second did, I was so happy I could see agian
After two months after a night of drinking in Thailand I woke and it was back like it never left
When I got home to Canada I had another lazor but didn’t do any good
The doc gave my these new drops that just came to Canada to dry the leak
Didn’t work.
Last resort I when to the hospital and got cold lazor therapy with a injection to close the leaking veins
The injection costed me 2 grand canadian
I couldn’t leave the house for 4 days after the surgery because sunlight to my skin could cause burns
The internet has very little on the presedure
Has anybody had this done?
with success ?
If so pls reply or email me [email protected]
It’s been 4 weeks with no visible improvement
The doc said it would take 8 weeks to see any
With a 95 percent success rate
I hope this works:)
I have read up on this and people who take grape seed abstract and vit D have seen improvement
Also I heard meca balances your hormone levels for people with high steroid levels
Hope some of this helped
Bless all of you with this pain in the ass disease
TDaniel.
I have dealt with CSR for 3 1/2 years now. The first episode was extremely bad with 3 large leaks and one directly in front of my center of vision. Took about 6 months to return to about 90%. Never returned to normal. Have had 4 more leaks since then but not as bad as the first. Retina specialist put me on spiranolactone to help with blood pressure and that really helped out. Nervous about the surgery as well.
Thank you Jose for bringing up this blog
Got my CSR way back in 2014 I have small blind spot in the middle left eye, consulted optometrist and went to different lab exam they found out there’s a small dark spot at the back of my eye, Dr. does’t recommend me laser treatment cause it will not guarantee it will resolve it. By the way I also work in IT. and she said the major culprit is STRESS! Really? My job is not really that stressful on my part, but I realize its not only my job that can cause STRESS
As per my Dr. advised she said laser is an option but not recommended, or just live with it and take a rest or ignore it, then after a month or so ignoring it I have a clear vision again
Not until last year August 2018 it went back again same spot but just a blurry vision, consulted new Dr. but I did not tell I have CSR before she checked my eyesight both are 20/20 she said your eyes are normal. Then I said I have a CSR before that the time she says that’s why! But i told her its only blurry and there’s no blind spot then she said my brain already knew whats going to happen and trying to adjust in advance. Huh! then she recommend me Navanac and pair of reading glass to lessen the blurriness
After few weeks it went back to normal, and now January 2019 I started to have a shadowy vision again although pair of reading glass helps.
Reading previous comments I decided to summarized my observation so pin point the cause hopefully you do the same
– CSR Episode –
1st Episode = 2014 / more than 3 months
2nd Episode = 2018 / 3 weeks
3rd Episode = 2019 / 2 weeks now – present
– Diet –
Coffee = Yes 1 to 2 cups /day
Beer = No intake for last 13 years
Cigarette = Yes 10-15 sticks
Chocolates = not that much that will cause it
– Exercise-
Random biking
– Work –
5/10 intensity (not stressful enough to be a cause)
– Medicine –
Drop of Nevanac (doesn’t do anything at’ll hope fully my brain will be fooled)
Pair of reading glass
Ignore it!
I have the same problem. I have performed a laser treatment, but it keeps recurring. Last year I went to a doctor who did not have so much experience. She recommended me Nevanac Eyedrops. And surprise, after the treatment, the condition got worse. Now the spot is much larger and I am afraid I might lose my central vision. Also, I noticed that it is not related only to stress (actually, I do not thing it has to do with stress in all cases, cause I did not have any problems when it first occurred). Instead, sometimes it occurs when the eye is exposed to bright light. So be careful with the computer and sunlight; use sunglasses. I think the doctors should study this condition properly and find out what causes it.
Has anyone expirenced strain to your eyes and requiring glasses? Is it common? Pretty sure I’m having another attack. Going to see the doctor next week for some imaging
Hi, I’m suffering CSR in both eyes for about six years now. I came across your blog a few years ago and it’s great but also not very encouraging to read all these comments here.
In my case the first episode was the worst, had laser treatment for that. Now it’s on and off like every 1,5 year, but never as bad as the first time (luckily). I am also on Spironolactone for about 3 years now, but that doesn’t prevent the disease from coming back.
I am also a passionate cyclist and my last three occurrences happened right after an extensive workout – extremely high heart rates for a long time (2 hours or more). The last occurrence (last week) I was also drinking protein shakes on a regular base (but I don’t think it is related).
I am gonna lay down on my extensive workouts and see if that prevents the CSR from coming back, but first need to get rid of the current spot.
Keeping you posted.
Greetings from Belgium.
I have been diagnosed with CSR to weeks ago, and have had it for around 10 months now. At first I thought it was a pesky eye floater from too much eyestrain and computer work, but one day it was suddenly worse and when doing an ambler grid the lines were all wonky in that spot so I made and appointment…turns out it’s in both eyes, mainly the right eye. The doctor did not recommend treatment as he said the lasers can cause permanent scarring, and the medicines can cause glaucoma.
I have been doing a lot of wondering about the cause, the doctor told me he thinks it’s my hormones shifting, but I also read that studies have definitively linked CSR to h pylori so it’s definitely got more than one possible trigger .. I’ve started taking manuca honey every day, also lutein and taurine.
Whatever is going on with my eyes it’s also made me super sensitive to light, and I see after images too easily. once in while also visual snow. I get migraines triggered by bright light and also ocular migraines once in a while that make the world look like a disco ball.
I feel for all of you posting here, it’s so frustrating and more than a little unsettling.
as a sidebar I’ve worn contacts for over 20 years and always have a lot of intensive computer work.
Good luck everyone!
Hi. I am a 30-year-old male. I have had the condition for about 5 months now in my right eye.
I have shown it to the doctor and I am now just ignoring it. It has gotten better and worse, and better and worse repeatedly. I am soldiering on though. I have started meditating every morning.
I know it will get better with time. I am keeping the faith. Thank you for this blog. This is very reassuring.
I have had csr since 2009. Ophthalmologist always said eyes were good just needed glasses. In 2014 saw a Dr that found it ; it was to late my vision continued to get worse. Have had 4 avastin shots because when the leak goes away it comes back .They say I have bad luck. Lost most of my vision and at the end of my rope .He says next step is laser
Just got diagnosed today. Sudden onset of blurry vision in right eye. Didn’t realize laser might not work. I drink very little. I do like to lift weights and kayak. Has a doctor actually told any of you to avoid strenuous exercise?
Hi, I had CSR one year ago, and it came back this January. Now I had something called Navilas Laser, which should be a subthreshold yellow wavelink, which in theory should not cause damage to the eye.
So far it went a bit worse and then a bit better. I have a check up soon, let’s see.
good luck!
Hello everyone,
See my story for your own conclusion
1. In june 2018 first time noticed blurrines in right eye
2. 16.06.18 visit in hospital – diagnosis – changes in central point of vision – therapy Diuramid pills
3. 22.06.18 visit in local ophthalmologist. Clear diagnosis. It is CSR. Huge blister in OCT examination. Therapy – Diuramid pills and wait 1 month.
4. 30.07.18 visit in local ophthalmologist. Huge happines, blister almost gone. But as I recognized later “almost” can be most significant. Therapy – no pills, just wait for self healing
5. 25.09.18 visit in local opht. Small blister still present. Vision is still blurred. Doctor send me to another one equipped with MicroPulseLaser.
6. 07.11.18 first visit in clinic with MPL. In OCT examination we found out that my retina is wavy and small blister is still present. Therapy – laser after fluorescein angiography.
7. 08.11.18 angio day. Two small leackage in angio examination found.
8. 16.11.18 visit in clinic. Therapy – focal laser two shoots and MPL on whole retina.
9. 28.12.18 visit in clinic. It is getting better. Very small blister. Vision still blurred. Again MPL on whole retina. And bad news… fotocells in part of my retina are dead due to long detachement from feeding layer because of blister. My retina will never work for 100% and have to live with blurred wiev of the world.
10. 29.01.19 visit in clinic. Blister is gone but blurred world will never go away.
My conclusion: when doctors say that CSR is selfhealing, don’t belive them. Some of them say that after more than 3monts blister is still present it is too late to save retina. MPL or/and focal laser should be done immeditely after blister is found. As you can see on my case it is true.
Is there anyone with damaged retina by CSR who can share his experience after years? I wonder if it’s getting worse as time pass or remains as it is?
Good luck
AMR
Hello Bruce,
Yes, two doctors told me to avoid strenous excersise. But in reference to some opinions that caffeine is also forbidden doctors say that there is no influence on CSR.
AMR
Thanks for your insight (no pun intended). I have had mine for a year, came, reduced, came back, now reducing again. I go back in to get the dye and look for leaks. If I still have issue he wants to cold laser, but he doesn’t want to, as he feels its almost as bad as the CSCR. I cut back on coffee, and seemed to help, then I quit coffee, and feels a bit better. I drink alcohol regular enough. I do have high stress load (maybe I’m a type A person?). I’m seeing a therapist for coping and stress, and do regular exercise. Wish me luck.
And thanks for the link to the Yahoo group! will check it out.
Thanks for this blog it’s a reassurance to see someone struggling with the same problem. In my case I had a sudden and somewhat aggressive sinus attack took sinus meds as one does and low and behold woke up the next morning with blurred vision. Went to see optometrist who referred me to the ophthalmologist who picked up the csr in my right eye although slight laser isn’t recommended due to the placement being my central vision. I suspect onset due to the cortisone in the sinus meds when I had the initial sinus attack although every dr seems really vague as to what the cause is. Initially thyroid was a suspect but that came out clear and then the csr was picked up. It’s really somewhat disturbing to see so many with recurring episodes and guess I may be in this for the long haul at least until drs can figure out a treatment that actually resolves. I’ve also done some reading on cold laser therapy have you tried or had this treatment at any stage as yet and if so what was the outcome?
Hi thanks for Your blog/account.
Has anyone ever blown their nose too hard prior to onset ?
I’m 60 yo now and have lived with CSR since my late 20’s. At first I was panicked but soon settled and accepted that from time to time my vision would be affected for a few months by blurry “flashbulb” spots occurring in both eyes. It does even to be related to stress and lack of sleep, to confirm what others have said.
Fast forward 30 years… Recently I’ve had my most intrusive CSR episode, right eye only, but for the first time very near the center of my vision. It significantly affects by ability to read small letters, causing a pronounced double vision often requiring me to cover my right eye and let my left do the work.
At first my Ophthalmologist was concerned that I had developed Macular Degeneration, a scary prospect. After testing and observation it was determined that it was just another episode of CSR. So now I wait, and in a few months it will be gone, as all the previous episodes have gone.
So why does this occur? I believe after 30 years of dealing with this that there are multiple factors. Stress definitely plays a role, but sleep also plays an important one as well as, yes, beer (or alcohol) consumption. Exercise can counter it. I realize that these are not new revelations but my hope is that my 30 years of experience with this might underscore the importance of controlling these factors.
Good luck to us all!
Hello and thank you for your blog and all the commenters. I am 49 and have CSR in both eyes and it has non stop since 2012. It comes and goes in new locations regularly. It’s to the point where the specialist asks me where the leaks are and how big they are. By blinking I can see them. Dark spots with a white ring around them. I have had laser, injections and oral medications. The injections have been successful in making the leaks go away but they still return. I did have a stressful Law Enforcement job. I tried leaving the field and going to a desk job but the computer screens make me nauseous due to all the waves I see. Low light is horrible and I get bad eye fatigue. I try to research how to stop this and unfortunately it seems that for some of us it just won’t go away. The good is that for most it does stop and they remain CSR free. I have been forced to retire and the condition qualified me for Social Security Disability Income. Not exactly how I thought my retired life would be but I can say that it could be worse. I see distance fairly well. I still can see close as long as I don’t focus on one thing for long. It’s frustrating but I’m glad to have what vision I have. I wish I could give some great wisdom or answers but like most I’m still looking for some myself. These blogs at least make me not feel alone and also confirm that all Over the wOrld doctors are doing the same treatments. Be strong and enjoy life to the fullest.
All too familiar. Thanks for your post and to all the others commenting.
Hi
I have recently found this to be my issue and this has really made me feel better! One thing I am worried about I haven’t seen my consultant yet I am waiting for an appointment but due to go on holiday do you think it’s safe to fly?
Hello Jose. This is the first time I am having csr, it has only been a week and I am going crazy and feeling panic…Thanks to your blog I see I am not the only one. I wonder if there are any eye exercises that could help? Hope you will feel better soon.
I am not sure yet but due to coronavirus spread I wasn’t wearing my glasses for the last three months. Then after wearing them for a few days last week and watching only some TV and after a day of a little stress in life, all of a sudden it returned but almost went away in a couple of days, not completely but it is almost gone. Well I stopped wearing my glasses immediately.
I had my first episode about 15 months ago which got really big and caused some really bad distortions in my vision. It was fairly large, like a circle with a diameter of 5-7 centimeters in a distance of 30 centimeters away! But it all got better in about five months.
After mending my vision got better except that objects were about 70 to 80 percent smaller with my right eye than the left eye, the technical term for this is micropsia.
Then, after 4 months I had a much milder episode and it got better in 3-4 months and the micropsia was way less perceivable. About 90 to 95 percent depending on the size of the objects.
I was happy and since most doctors and sources say it takes one year to heal I was happy until last week that some guy gave me some stress and also wearing glasses. I don’t know which one was the cause.
In summary, I wear my computer glasses when I work with computers and I no longer wear my nearsightedness glasses (thanks to COVID-19).
I have also increased my omega-3, lutein, and zeaxanthin intake in my daily diet. Lutein and zeaxanthin are relatively polar carotenoid pigments found at high levels in parsley, spinach, kale, egg yolk, and lutein-fortified foods. I eat a crustless quiche containing some of the above vegetables and one egg almost every day.
Actually I had stopped having my daily quiche just 3-4 days before the last short-living episode and immediately started it again when it had returned. It might have been the reason for the return of my CSR, who knows.
My blood test always showed a marginal low platelet count. So I thought maybe my daily vitamin K intake is low. So I looked at the amount of vitamin K in my daily diet. It was shamefully low. So I added some leafy greens to make up for that.
My second episode returned when due to pressure at home for being selfish and being so fussy about my diet I stopped having my invented quiche as well.
I have been diagnosed with csr.Was wondering does anyone feel any pain in the eye that has been diagnosed with csr.
Hi I just found this and I have been suffering for the last 3 years on my right eye if any of you reading this and know how to help or whom to contact please email me Directly
[email protected].
My first episode happen during my last trimester of the pregnancy last year. It got better after 2 weeks time.
Second episode happen 1 month after I gave birth (just 2 months after first episod), it was worse. I was depressed and I found your page during that time. I was clueless what caused tht. But most article said pregnancy is a high risk factor, hormone changed and probably breastfeeding as well. The episod last for 3 months then I only manage to get back to work.
3rd episode, it happen again now! This round I’m pretty sure after I drank the latte ( 2 shots) and I couldn’t sleep that night. I’m not a caffeine person, I don’t drink, except that day just to try my friend’s new barista skill!
I feel headache looking at the pc all the time but It’s my job. Pretty hard for me to drive at night and raining time too. I dont want to do the laser treatment, just hope it’ll get better soon this round!
Its indeed really stressful.i am struggling with this condition from last two years
Nothing is working it goes and comes back really feel frustrated and it’s straining my healthy eye .but now when I read the comment here I felt I’m not alone so many are affected, I just pray for all of us may the almighty give us all our healthy vision back
Its indeed really stressful.i am struggling with this condition from last two years
Nothing is working it goes and comes back really feel frustrated and it’s straining my healthy eye .but now when I read the comment here I felt I’m not alone so many are affected, I just pray for all of us may the almighty give us all our healthy vision back
Hi Jose: I really appreciate your story. I noticed the “spot” late April 2020. From May till now I have been seeing my eye Doctor who has done several scans to see if the density improves (it too is my right eye). I am Type A and know I get stressed. My eye Doctor had me go on NSAIDs and sent me to a retina guy. I stopped the NSAID until I went to the retina guy who has now placed me on Alphagan which is usually for Glaucoma and Eye pressure. He said there i no downside and I will take 3 drops a day for 6 weeks and then go back to him I am going to be 66, so the 20-50 age rule does not apply only the “happens mostly in men” does. Just having this causes stress. I also had last October 2019 and also Jan-Feb 2020 3 steroid injections. One in my hip and 2 in my left foot. I am now convinced those coupled with stress (stress produces cortisol in your body). Also diabetes runs in my family but my A1C was 5.8 which is .2 above the normal range of <5.6. This really has me worried. he said PDT (Photo Dynamic Laser: Cold Laser could cause a possible permanent spot where the laser is directed. Well I will now join the group your mention so maybe I can read other's stories and hopefully find some hope as this had gotten me totally bent out of shape. Thanks again and I am sure I will write again when I see the retina guy on October 6th 2020
Hi Jose,
Thanks for the blog on CSR. It is really informative. I was diagnosed with CSR a couple of days back after seeing blurry for last 5-6 days with my right eye. Btw, I had a fall and got 5 stiches over my right brow 2 weeks back, but my eye was not hurt. I had no issues with vision till last 5 days. Doc said it is just a coincidence that i got CSR now and has nothing to do with the injury. He seems to think it is stress related. I did have a lot of stress past month due to my father’s illness as well as my injury. He has asked me to come back in 4 weeks and offered no medication and/or treatment at this point. As i read more about this condition, i came across a study in 2010 where a low-dose aspirin helped improve CSR rapidly. Has anyone here tried the low-dose aspirin? Has it helped?
Any information will be helpful.
thanks
Piyush