Central serous chorioretinopathy in African Americans.

PURPOSE

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is presumed to be less prevalent in the African American population. The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of CSCR in African Americans and Caucasians.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed. Visual acuity (VA) evaluations that were recorded included best-corrected VA at diagnosis, worst VA recorded at follow-up, and best-corrected VA at the last clinic visit. Recurrences of CSCR, frequency of laser photocoagulation, and fluorescein angiographic patterns also were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 74 patients with CSCR, 15 (20.3%) were African American and 59 (79.7%) were Caucasian. This ethnic distribution was similar to the ethnic distribution in the entire Henry Ford Health System population. The mean VA at presentation was significantly lower in African-Americans (20/55 vs. 20/30, P=0.004) and trended towards being lower during follow-up (20/58 vs. 20/32, P=0.04) and at final examination (20/28 vs. 20/22, P=0.04). Mean length of follow-up was 21 months for both groups.

CONCLUSION

The rates and spectrum of symptomatic CSCR seen at Henry Ford Health System are comparable in African Americans and Caucasians.