Central serous chorioretinopathy in women.

BACKGROUND

Central serous chorioretinopathy is a disorder that typically affects young and middle-aged men. Although extensive information is available pertaining to the clinical features of central serous chorioretinopathy in men, little is known about this condition in women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors reviewed the medical records and photographic files of women who received a diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy. The women were divided into three groups for data analysis: idiopathic, exogenous corticosteroid use, and pregnancy.

RESULTS

Fifty-one women with active central serous chorioretinopathy were evaluated. These findings in women with idiopathic serous chorioretinopathy were similar to those described in men, with the exception that women tend to be older at the time of onset. Central serous chorioretinopathy in women taking exogenous corticosteroids more likely was characterized by bilateral involvement and subretinal fibrin. Central serous chorioretinopathy in pregnant women typically developed in the third trimester and resolved spontaneously within 1-2 months after delivery.

CONCLUSION

Idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy is similar in women and men, with the exception that women tend to be more older at the time of onset. The finding of exogenous corticosteroid use in a significant number of women in our study provides further support that cortisol may play a role in the development of central serous chorioretinopathy. The mechanism by which cortisol influences the development of central serous chorioretinopathy is unclear.