Central serous chorioretinopathy

A 'fluid blister in the retina' often means central serous chorioretinopathy: fluid leaks from the vascular layer beneath the central retina and lifts the macula locally. It often resolves by itself, but recurrence or prolonged fluid can cause permanent loss of contrast and detail; many sudden flashes, floaters or a curtain over vision are not a reason to wait and see.

• A blurred, grey or dark spot in the centre of vision, usually in one eye, while peripheral vision often remains intact.
• Straight lines look curved or wavy, and text, faces or door frames may look distorted; this is called metamorphopsia.
• Check each eye separately for distortion of text, tile joints or an Amsler grid, and report a clear new change without waiting for the scheduled check-up.
• Make a complete list of corticosteroids, including inhalers, sprays, creams, injections and supplements, and discuss alternatives with the prescriber.
• Have sudden central blurring, distorted lines or a difference in colour or size between the eyes assessed the same day by an eye-care professional; for gradual, stable symptoms, make an appointment within a few days.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.
• A sudden curtain or shadow, many new flashes or floaters, or rapid loss of part of the visual field may be retinal detachment and needs immediate eye assessment.