Surreal illustration of an eye with laser beams and a stormy cloud symbolizing potential complications of laser eye surgery.

Vision Alert: Can Laser Eye Surgery Trigger Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC)?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the surprising link between peripheral retinal laser treatment and recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy, and how to protect your eyesight."

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), a condition where fluid accumulates under the retina, can cause distorted vision and visual disturbances. First identified by Albrecht von Gräfe in 1861 and further defined by Gass in 1967, CSC involves fluid leakage from choroidal vessels, often due to a dysfunctional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or choroid. While the exact cause remains mysterious, it's believed to stem from a mix of genetic predispositions and environmental factors.

Two primary theories attempt to explain CSC. The first, proposed by Gass, suggests increased permeability in the choriocapillaris. Guyer et al. supported this, noting increased permeability around leakage sites detected via indocyanine green angiography. The second theory attributes CSC to RPE dysfunction, leading to fluid pooling beneath the retina, consistent with Spitznas’s findings that RPE damage can reverse ion secretion. Both theories may be interconnected, where prolonged choroid dysfunction stresses RPE cells.

Now, a groundbreaking case report sheds light on a surprising potential trigger: peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation. This article explores the unexpected connection between laser eye treatments and recurrent CSC, providing insights into potential risks and proactive steps for maintaining your vision.

Laser Eye Surgery and CSC: What’s the Connection?

Surreal illustration of an eye with laser beams and a stormy cloud symbolizing potential complications of laser eye surgery.

A recent case study details a 44-year-old woman with a history of CSC who experienced recurrent episodes following peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation. She initially sought treatment for retinal tuft and lattice degenerations to prevent retinal detachment. Two days post-laser treatment, her visual acuity declined, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed the onset of CSC. Without intervention, the serous detachment resolved in approximately 20 days. Surprisingly, a similar CSC episode recurred after a subsequent laser treatment in the same eye and resolved spontaneously again.

This case raises crucial questions about the inflammatory response triggered by laser treatments. It suggests that laser-induced inflammation might initiate an inflammatory cascade, mediated by proinflammatory cytokines and PAI-1, leading to exacerbated retinal serous detachment in susceptible individuals.

Initial Presentation: A 44-year-old woman with pre-existing CSC.
Treatment: Peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation to address retinal tuft and lattice degenerations.
Outcome: Recurrent CSC episodes shortly after each laser treatment.
Resolution: Spontaneous resolution of serous detachments without specific treatment.

The recurrent nature of CSC in this case underscores the potential link between peripheral laser treatments and retinal complications. While laser photocoagulation is generally safe, this case highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness, particularly for individuals with a history of CSC.

Protecting Your Vision: What You Need to Know

This case underscores the importance of understanding potential risks associated with laser eye treatments, especially for those with a history of CSC. While more research is needed, proactively discussing your medical history with your ophthalmologist and considering preventative measures can help safeguard your vision. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize your eye health.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5301/ejo.5000227, Alternate LINK

Title: Recurrent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy After Peripheral Retinal Laser Photocoagulation: A Case Report

Subject: Ophthalmology

Journal: European Journal of Ophthalmology

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Francesco Semeraro, Andrea Russo, Luisa Delcassi, Ciro Costagliola

Published: 2012-12-18

Everything You Need To Know

What is central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), and what are the primary theories explaining its development?

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a condition involving fluid accumulation under the retina, leading to distorted vision. It occurs due to leakage from choroidal vessels, often linked to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or choroid dysfunction. The exact cause involves both genetic predisposition and environmental factors, with theories pointing to increased permeability in the choriocapillaris (Gass's theory) and RPE dysfunction (Spitznas’s findings).

Can you summarize the details of the reported case where laser eye surgery triggered recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC)?

The case study involved a 44-year-old woman with a history of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) who underwent peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation for retinal tuft and lattice degenerations. Post-laser treatment, she experienced recurrent CSC episodes, characterized by decreased visual acuity and serous detachment observed via optical coherence tomography (OCT). These episodes resolved spontaneously without intervention, but recurred after subsequent laser treatments in the same eye.

How might peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation trigger or exacerbate central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC)?

Peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation might trigger an inflammatory response, potentially leading to or exacerbating central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in susceptible individuals. Laser-induced inflammation could initiate an inflammatory cascade involving proinflammatory cytokines and PAI-1, resulting in increased retinal serous detachment. This suggests that individuals with a history of CSC should be closely monitored after such procedures.

Who were the key figures in identifying and defining Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC), and what were their contributions?

Albrecht von Gräfe initially identified Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC) in 1861, and Gass further defined it in 1967. Gass proposed that increased permeability in the choriocapillaris contributes to CSC, a theory supported by Guyer et al.'s observations of increased permeability around leakage sites via indocyanine green angiography. Spitznas, on the other hand, linked CSC to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction, suggesting that RPE damage can reverse ion secretion, leading to fluid pooling beneath the retina.

What precautions should individuals with a history of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) take before undergoing laser eye surgery, and what future research directions could improve patient outcomes?

For individuals with a history of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) undergoing peripheral retinal laser photocoagulation, it's crucial to discuss your medical history with your ophthalmologist. Preventative measures and increased vigilance are advised to monitor for potential CSC recurrence. Future research should focus on understanding the inflammatory mechanisms involved and identifying specific risk factors to better manage and prevent such complications. Proactive steps, such as regular check-ups and early intervention, can help safeguard vision.