Idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy - A physical complication of stress?

Abstract

The adverse psychological sequelae of stress are well recognized by occupational health specialists. Potential adverse physical effects, such as ischaemic heart disease, are more contentious but are biologically plausible. This report outlines a case of idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (ICSC), an uncommon but potentially sight-threatening condition, which is widely accepted amongst ophthalmologists to be stress related. The condition is not referred to in standard occupational health texts or databases. The report includes a brief review of the ophthalmological literature on which the connection between ICSC and stress has been made, and a need for further research promoted.