A relaxing sauna session can feel like the ultimate stress reliever—but if you’re managing Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR), is it helping or hurting? Here’s what you should know about how heat exposure might impact your eye health.
1. Saunas Can Lower Stress and Cortisol (That’s Good News)
CSR is strongly linked to elevated cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.
Regular sauna use has been shown to reduce cortisol levels after use, which may be beneficial for managing CSR.
Tip: Use the sauna as part of your overall stress management routine.
2. Short-Term Heat Stress May Temporarily Raise Cortisol
While long-term sauna use is linked to lower cortisol, intense or prolonged heat exposure may briefly spike cortisol during the session.
Tip: Start with short sessions (10–15 minutes) and monitor how your body responds.
3. Dehydration Can Worsen Eye Symptoms
Saunas cause you to sweat, which can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful.
Dehydration may exacerbate eye dryness or visual discomfort, especially if you already experience CSR-related blurriness or floaters.
Tip: Always hydrate well before and after your sauna session.
4. Sauna May Improve Sleep Quality
Better sleep helps regulate cortisol and repair eye tissue. Sauna use, especially in the evening, may improve deep sleep cycles.
Tip: Use sauna as a pre-bedtime ritual to support better sleep and CSR recovery.
5. Blood Vessel Dilation May Affect Eye Pressure
Sauna causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which may temporarily shift ocular blood flow. While there’s no direct link to CSR, it’s something to be aware of.
Tip: If you feel pressure in your eyes or a worsening of symptoms, scale back or pause sauna use.
6. Sauna May Help with Systemic Inflammation
Regular sauna sessions can reduce overall inflammatory markers in the body. Since inflammation plays a role in many chronic conditions, this may indirectly benefit CSR management.
Tip: Combine sauna with an anti-inflammatory diet for added effect.
7. Individual Responses Can Vary—Track It
Some CSR patients report benefits from sauna, while others feel it worsens symptoms.
Tip: Keep a symptom tracker and note how you feel after each session to determine if sauna helps or hinders your CSR.
Conclusion
Sauna therapy may offer real benefits for people with CSR—especially through stress reduction, improved sleep, and inflammation control. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and track your symptoms. When used mindfully, sauna can be a powerful tool in your CSR wellness toolbox.