Ide WW. Central serous chorioretinopathy following hypobaric chamber exposure. Aviat Space Environ Med 2014; 85:1053–5.Background: Hypobaric hypoxic exposures are associated with a number of risks, most notably decompression sickness and various
ophthalmologic disorders, including high altitude retinopathy. Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is an idiopathic condition that typically affects young males and is associated with several comorbidities and medications; however, an association with hypoxia or high altitude has not been
identified. We present a case of CSCR in an aviator following a simulated flight in a hypobaric chamber. Case Report: A 30-yr-old male U.S. Navy pilot presented with complaints of painless unilateral scotoma, micropsia, and blurred vision 1 h after completing a training exercise
in a hypobaric chamber. A dilated fundoscopic examination, macular optical coherence tomography, and intravenous fluorescein angiography confirmed a diagnosis of CSCR. The patient was restricted from flying duty and observed for a period of 1 mo, after which point his symptoms spontaneously
resolved and flight status was restored. Discussion: Complaints of visual symptoms immediately following hypobaric exposure should primarily trigger suspicion of decompression sickness; however, once ruled out, patients should be referred to an eye specialist for detailed ocular
examination. This case suggests a possible link between CSCR and hypobaric hypoxia as a topic of further investigation.