Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Pregnancy: An Ayurvedic Approach

Abstract

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a disorder within the pachychoroid spectrum, characterised by the buildup of subretinal fluid (SRF) and detachment of the neurosensory retina, resulting in metamorphopsia and central scotoma. Known risk factors include stress, exposure to corticosteroids, hormonal changes, and pregnancy. This case report describes a 29-year-old woman who noticed a sudden dark spot in the central visual field of her right eye at 20 weeks' gestation. Her visual acuity decreased to 6/12, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed neurosensory macular detachment. The clinical symptoms resembled those described as Prathama and Dviteeya Patala Gata Drishti Roga in Ayurveda. The pathogenesis involves Tridoṣa with Sopha samprapti. Prognostically, this condition is classified under the Sadya category, aligning with Sannipatika timira. Due to her pregnancy, only safe Ayurvedic treatments were administered, including Mṛdu virecana, Sekam with Vara kaṣāya, thalam with Rasnādi cūrṇa and Anutaila, Pratimarśa nasya, and Prāṇāyāma. The patient achieved complete resolution of the SRF, and her vision improved to 6/9. Postpartum Rasāyana therapy helped maintain disease stability, with no recurrence observed over a year, and her vision was 6/6. This case highlights the potential supportive role of Ayurvedic management in CSCR during pregnancy.