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. Right eye visual acuity decreased to 6/18, 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 as Sadya, aligning with Sannipatika timira. Considering her pregnancy, appropriate Ayurvedic treatments were administered, including Mrdu virecana, Sekam with Vara kashaya, thalam with Rasnadi curna and Anutaila, Pratimarsha nasya, and Pranayama. The patient achieved complete resolution of the subretinal fluid (SRF), and visual acuity in her right eye improved to 6/9 Postpartum Rasayana therapy helped to 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.