Low-Fluence Photodynamic Therapy versus Subthreshold Micropulse Yellow Wavelength Laser in the Treatment of Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Abstract

Purpose. To compare the efficacy and safety of subthreshold micropulse yellow wavelength laser (SMYL) and low-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).Methods. Thirty-three eyes of 30 patients with chronic CSC received either PDT (18 eyes) or SMYL (15 eyes) therapy. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subretinal fluid (SRF) height, and central macular thickness (CMT) were evaluated at the baseline visit and one, three, six, nine, and 12 months after the therapy.Results. After 12 months, mean BCVA improved from67.3±14.2to71.5±21.4ETDRS letters in SMYL group and from60.7±16.3to64.4±24.9ETDRS letters in PDT group (p=0.285andp=0.440, resp.). Mean CMT decreased from242.8±80 μm to156.9±60 μm in the PDT group and from287.3±126 μm to138.0±40 μm in the SMYL group (p=0.098andp=0.003, resp.). SRF resolved completely in 72.2% and 80.0% of the eyes in the PDT and SMYL groups, respectively. Mean SRF height decreased from117.2±58 μm to31.3±56 μm in the PDT group and from130.0±104 μm to12.5±21 μm in the SMYL group (p=0.031andp=0.014, resp.).Conclusions. Subthreshold micropulse yellow wavelength laser seems to be effective in the treatment of chronic CSC without any side effect and results in the resorption of SRF without causing visible retinal scarring.