Abstract
Background: Central serous chorioretinopathy describes central neurosensory detachment of the retina due to the accumulation of subretinal fluid. Both pathophysiology and proposed etiology/risk factors of the condition have been reported. However, an association between blunt trauma to the eye and central serous chorioretinopathy has not been established.
Objective: To report a unique case of central serous chorioretinopathy development following trauma to the affected eye.
Method: Case report. Diagnosis was confirmed with a comprehensive ocular exam and imaging.
Results: A 42-year-old Caucasian male presented with sudden blurry vision in the left eye one day after being hit with a Nerf gun dart. He denied any risk factors of central serous chorioretinopathy including increased stress, corticosteroid use, or underlying autoimmune disease. Visual acuity was 20/80 in the left eye. Posterior segment examination revealed circumscribed subretinal fluid 4-disc diameter in size involving the fovea. Findings were supported by spectral domain optical coherence tomography showing large neurosensory detachment and fundus autofluorescence demonstrated well defined hyperautofluorescence corresponding to the detached area. Fluorescein angiography revealed an expansile dot pattern, confirming the diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy. Patient returned five weeks later with improved vision and significantly improved subretinal fluid with conservative management.
Conclusion: This case report of central serous chorioretinopathy development with a presumed traumatic etiology is only the fourth reported case with no available cohort studies. Thus far, conservative management remains the primary treatment method; yet treatment courses following trauma have been largely understudied to limited case numbers. Additionally, further research is necessary to better distinguish individual risk factors compared to trauma-related risk factors.