Glucocorticoid use represents a risk factor for central serous chorioretinopathy: a prospective, case-control study

Purpose: To evaluate whether exposure to glucocorticoids represents a risk factor for the development of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Methods: Prospective, case-control study. Thirty-eight consecutive patients with acute CSCR were asked to answer a specific questionnaire regarding the use of glucocorticoids, in any form, during the last month before the onset of the symptoms. An age- and sex-matched control group was also recruited. It consisted of patients attending the outpatient department for a condition other than CSCR, who were asked to answer the same questionnaire. Results: Use of glucocorticoids was recorded in 11 of 38 patients (28.9%) with CSCR; 8 of them were men and 3 women. In the control group, use of glucocorticoids was recorded in 2 of 38 patients (5.2%), 1 man and 1 woman. The difference between the two groups is statistically significant (odds ratio=7.33, 95% CI=1.49-35.85, P=0.006). Conclusion: In this prospective, case-control study, we found that glucocorticoid use represents a risk factor for the development of CSCR.