Ocular surface disease and psychological distress in central serous chorioretinopathy

To evaluate ocular surface parameters and psychological status in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and to investigate the relationship between tear film dysfunction and psychological distress.

This prospective case-control study included 55 patients with CSCR and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Ocular surface assessment comprised the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) measured with Sirius (CSO, Italy), Schirmer I test, and corneal fluorescein staining graded by the Oxford scale. Psychological status was evaluated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Patients with CSCR demonstrated significantly higher OSDI, BAI and BDI scores, and significantly lower NIBUT and Schirmer values compared with controls (all, p < 0.001). Oxford staining scores were significantly higher in the CSCR group (p < 0.001). OSDI scores were positively correlated with anxiety and depression scores, while NIBUT and Schirmer values were negatively correlated with psychological parameters (all, p < 0.001).

CSCR is associated with impaired ocular surface parameters and increased psychological distress. The observed correlations suggest a potential interaction between tear film instability and psychological factors, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation in patients with CSCR.