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Central serous chorioretinopathy F096

Document
Last amended 
8 October 2018

Current RMA Instruments

Reasonable Hypothesis SOP
45 of 2018
Balance of Probabilities SOP
46 of 2018

SOP bulletin information on new SOP

SOP Bulletin 202

ICD Coding

  • ICD-9-CM Code: 362.41
  • ICD-10-AM Code: H35.7

Brief description

Central serous chorioretinopathy is a form of retinal detachment, due to an accumulation of fluid (oedema) beneath the retina, which then separates the retina from the choroid.  It results in acute or subacute loss or distortion of central vision.  The condition is most common in middle-age males. It is self-limiting in most people, resolving within 2 to 3 months, but can persist and become chronic in some subjects. 

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis requires specialist opinion based on ophthalmological examination and appropriate testing, which may involve optical coherence tomography and/or fluorescein angiography.

The relevant medical specialist is an ophthalmologist.

Additional diagnoses that are covered by SOP

  • Central serous retinopathy
  • Diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy

Conditions that are excluded from SOP

  • Macular degeneration*
  • Posterior uveitis#
  • Retinal vascular occlusive disease*
  • Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment#

* another SOP applies

# non-SOP condition

Clinical onset

The condition usually presents with new onset of blurred central vision, often in one eye and typically perceived as a dark spot in the centre of the visual field.   

Clinical worsening

Most cases resolve either spontaneously or with appropriate treatment, generally within 6 months.  Recurrences, typically within one year, are common. Some cases go on to become chronic.