central serous chorioretinopathy epidemiology forecast

• Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is an eye condition marked by localized serous detachment of the macula, sometimes accompanied by focal serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED).
• Symptoms of CSC include blurred or distorted central vision, a dark spot in the center of vision, bent or crooked lines, reduced object size or distance perception, and dull or altered color appearance.
• The annual incidence rate of CSC in men was 3.46 times higher than that in women, and the peak age of onset was higher in women than in men.
• CSC primarily affects young to middle-aged adults and is more commonly seen in men for reasons that are not fully understood. While vision loss is typically short-term, the condition can occasionally become chronic or recur.

DelveInsight’s “Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) – Epidemiology Forecast – 2034” report delivers an in-depth understanding of CSC, historical and forecasted epidemiology of CSC in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Geography Covered

• The United States
• EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom
• Japan

Study Period: 2020–2034

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC) Understanding 

CSC Overview

 CSC is a retinal disorder characterized by the buildup of fluid beneath the retina, leading to a serous detachment and resulting in visual impairment. Blurry central vision in one eye is the most common symptom of CSC, though subtle involvement in the other eye is often detected on examination.

The exact cause of CSC is unclear, but both systemic corticosteroid use and high stress levels have been linked to its development or worsening. Over-the-counter products like allergy sprays and anti-inflammatory creams may contribute, and individuals with high-stress or “type A” personalities may be more susceptible due to elevated natural steroid production during stress.

CSC Diagnosis

CSC is typically diagnosed by a combination of clinical examination and advanced imaging techniques. Key findings include a localized serous detachment of the neurosensory retina, most often affecting the macular area. Diagnosis begins with a detailed dilated eye exam and a careful review of symptoms such as blurred or distorted central vision. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is crucial, providing detailed cross-sectional images that reveal subretinal fluid and any associated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) detachments. Fluorescein angiography may be used to confirm the presence and site of fluid leakage under the retina, displaying characteristic leakage patterns. These tests help confirm the diagnosis, assess the extent of retinal involvement, and rule out other causes of similar symptoms.

Further details related to diagnosis are provided in the report…

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC) Epidemiology

For the purpose of designing the patient-based model for CSC, the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by incident cases of CSC, gender-specific cases of CSC, age-specific cases of CSC and treated cases of CSC in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan, from 2020 to 2034. 

• As reported in a study by Feenstra et al. (2024), which provides a comprehensive overview of CSC, the incidence among individuals aged 30 and older was found to be 34.0 cases per 100,000 person-years. Notably, the incidence rate in men was nearly 3.5 times higher than in women.
• As per study by Gupta et al. (2023), CSC is recognized as the fourth most prevalent retinal condition that can impair vision. A population-based study reported a male-to-female ratio of 6:1, indicating a strong male predominance. The average age of onset ranges from 39 to 51 years, with women typically presenting at an older age than men.
• In a study by Kido et al. (2021), data from Japan’s nationwide health insurance claims database (2011–2018) identified 247,930 new cases CSC, 75.9% of which were in men. The crude incidence rate per 100,000 person-years was 34.0 in the general population aged 30 years or older, 54.2 in men, and 15.7 in women. The mean age at onset was lower in men than in women. Most patients 86.8% received no major treatment.

KOL Views

To gaze into the epidemiology insights of the real world, we take KOLs and SMEs’ opinions working in the domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research on disease prevalence. 

DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 20+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 10+ KOLs in the 7MM. Centers such as the American Society of Retina Specialists, Stony Brook University Hospital, US, University of Cologne, Germany, UPMC Université Paris, France, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Spain, University of Edinburgh, UK, Juntendo University, Japan, and others were contacted. Their opinion helps understand and validate current disease prevalence, gender involved with the disease, diagnosis rate, and diagnostic criteria.

As per the KOLs from the US, Most cases of CSCR resolve on their own within 3 to 6 months, making observation the initial approach. However, in cases where the condition persists beyond six months or recurs, it may progress to chronic CSCR, potentially causing macular degeneration, foveal atrophy, and changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In such instances, active treatment is recommended.

As per the KOLs from Spain, Accurate diagnosis of CSC relies on multimodal imaging, including FA, ICGA, OCT, and FAF, to differentiate it from similar conditions. OCT is particularly useful for detecting and measuring subretinal fluid (SRF), helping estimate disease duration and guide treatment planning.

As per the KOLs from Germany, CSC is the fourth most common non-surgical retinopathy linked to fluid leakage, following neovascular AMD, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. While subretinal fluid may resolve on its own, many patients experience lasting effects like RPE or retinal atrophy and may develop subretinal neovascularization. Although the exact cause is unclear, choroidal dysfunction is thought to play a central role.

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a segment of executive summary, descriptive overview of CSC, explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, and currently available diagnostic algorithms and guidelines.
• Comprehensive insight has been provided into the epidemiology segments and forecasts, the future growth potential of diagnosis rate, disease progression, and diagnosis guidelines.
• The report provides an edge for understanding trends, expert insights/KOL views, and patient journeys in the 7MM.
• A detailed review of current challenges in establishing the diagnosis.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC) Report Insights

• Patient Population
• Country-wise Epidemiology Distribution
• Incident Cases of CSC
• Gender-specific Cases of CSC
• Age-specific Cases of CSC
• Treated Cases of CSC

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC) Report Key Strengths

• 10 years Forecast
• The 7MM Coverage 
• CSC Epidemiology Segmentation

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC) Report Assessment

• Current Diagnostic Practices Patient Segmentation

Epidemiology Insights

• What are the disease risk, burdens, and unmet needs of CSC? What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM concerning the patient population of CSC?
• What is the historical and forecasted CSC patient pool in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan?
• Why is the diagnosed prevalent cases of CSC in Japan lower than the US?
• Which country has a high patient share for CSC?

Reasons to Buy

• Insights on patient burden/disease, evolution in diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
• To understand the CSC prevalent cases in varying geographies over the coming years.
• A detailed overview of by incident cases of CSC, gender-specific cases of CSC, age-specific cases of CSC and treated cases of CSC. 
• To understand the perspective of key opinion leaders around the current challenges with establishing the diagnosis options.
• Detailed insights on various factors hampering disease diagnosis and other existing diagnostic challenges.