Half-dose photodynamic therapy versus 577 nm subthreshold pulse laser therapy in treatment-naive patients with central serous chorioretinopathy.

BACKGROUND: To compare real-life anatomical and functional outcomes of half-dose photodynamic therapy (HD-PDT) and 577 nm subthreshold pulse laser therapy (SPL) in treatment-naïve patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive treatment-naïve CSC patients with non-resolving subretinal fluid (SRF) for more than 2 months who received either HD-PDT or SPL treatment. One repetition of the same treatment was allowed in patients with persistent SRF after first treatment. Functional and anatomical outcomes were assessed after first treatment and at final visit. RESULTS: We included 95 patients (HD-PDT group, n = 49; SPL group, n = 46). Complete resolution of SRF after a single treatment was observed in 42.9% of HD-PDT-treated patients (n = 21; median time to resolution 7.1 weeks) and in 41.3% of SPL-treated patients (n = 19; median time to resolution 7.0 weeks). In the HD-PDT-group, 44.9% of patients (n = 22) and in the SPL-group, 43.5% (n = 20) of patients, received a second treatment due to persistent SRF, while 12.2% (n = 6) and 15.2% (n = 7), respectively, opted against a second treatment despite persistent SRF. After the final treatment, complete SRF resolution was observed in 61.2% of all HD-PDT-treated patients (n = 30; median time to resolution 8.8 weeks) and 60.9% of all SPL-treated patients (n = 28; median time to resolution 13.7 weeks, p = 0.876). In the final visit, both groups showed significant improvement of BCVA in comparison to baseline (p < 0.001 for all). The change in BCVA from baseline to final visit was similar for the two groups (HD-PDT, median BCVA change 0.10 logMAR (IQR: 0.0-0.2); in SPL group, median BCVA change 0.10 logMAR (IQR: 0.0-0.2), P = 0.344). The CSC subclassification (simple versus complex) had no influence on the anatomical or functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: High-density 577 nm SPL resulted in as good anatomical and functional treatment as HD-PDT and may thus represent a treatment alternative to HD-PDT in CSC.

A randomized non-inferiority trial of 577nm subthreshold micropulse laser versus half-dose photodynamic therapy for acute central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of 577nm subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) with half-dose photodynamic therapy (Hd-PDT) for acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHOD: A non-inferiority clinical trial was performed with a non-inferiority margin of eight letters. Sixty-eight eyes of 68 patients with acute CSC were randomized to the Hd-PDT group or 577 nm SML group. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA ), the subretinal fluid (SRF), and the central foveal thickness (CFT) were evaluated at 6 months. RESULTS: The visual acuity significantly improved from 70.38 ± 10.37 at baseline to 83.24 ± 3.03 at 6 months after treatment in the SML group (P < 0.001), from 71.09 ± 10.50 to 84.35 ± 2.09 in the PDT group (P < 0.001). SML was non-inferior to the PDT (mean difference: -0.41, 95% CI: -5.51 - 4.68, P = 0.0021). At the endpoint, CFT was significantly reduced in the two groups, but no statistical difference (P = 0.7694). The complete resolution of SRF reached 82.35% (28/34) in the SML group and 91.18% (31/34) in the PDT group, respectively,but no statistical difference (P = 0.3724). CONCLUSIONS: SML was non-inferiority to half-dose PDT in improving the visual acuity for CSC, and it is a viable alternative, especially when the verteporfin in PDT is unavailable.

Comparing Half-Dose Photodynamic Therapy with Subthreshold Micropulse Laser for the Treatment of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare the anatomic and functional outcomes of half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) and yellow 577-nm subthreshold micropulse laser (SMLT) in treating patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). DESIGN: Prospective, double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with chronic CSCR confirmed by clinical features and multimodal imaging. METHODS: Eligible patients were randomized (1:1) to receive half-dose PDT or SMLT. The same treatment was repeated if persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) was observed. Treatment responses were evaluated 1 month after treatment and every 3 months until the end point at 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the complete resolution of SRF on OCT scan at month 12. Secondary outcomes included the changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) as measured by OCT, retinal sensitivity as measured by microperimetry, and vision-related quality of life using the National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire. RESULTS: Between April 2017 and October 2020, 68 patients were recruited. At 1 month after treatment, SRF resolved in 8 (24.2%) of 33 patients receiving SMLT and in 20 (58.8%) of 34 patients receiving half-dose PDT. This increased to 23 (82.1%) of 28 patients in the SMLT group and 30 (90.9%) of 33 patients in the half-dose PDT group at 12 months of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significantly faster resolution of SRF in the half-dose PDT group than the SMLT group (P = 0.016). Both groups showed significant improvement in BCVA (-0.12 ± 0.21, P = 0.005 for SMLT; -0.13 ± 0.12, P < 0.001 for half-dose PDT), CMT (-154.2 ± 105.6, P < 0.001 for SMLT; -140.8 ± 94.0, P < 0.001 for half-dose PDT), and retinal sensitivity (5.70 ± 5.02, P < 0.001 for SMLT; 6.05 ± 3.83, P < 0.001 for half-dose PDT) at 12 months compared with baseline. There was no significant difference between the 2 treatment groups at each time point in all investigations except BCVA at 3 months (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: When comparing half-dose PDT to subthreshold SMLT, this study has shown both treatments to be viable options, with half-dose PDT achieving faster anatomic success and functional improvement. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Predictive factors for outcomes of half-dose photodynamic therapy combined with aflibercept for pachychoroid neovasculopathy.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with an intravitreous aflibercept (IVA) injection for pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and its predictive factors. METHODS: Clinical information of 43 patients (43 eyes) with PNV obtained before and 6 months after treatment with half-dose PDT combined with IVA was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into the sufficient (25 eyes, 58.1%) or insufficient (18 eyes, 41.9%) group based on resolution or persistence/recurrence of subretinal fluid (SRF), respectively, and clinical data were compared. Macular neovascularization (MNV) change was studied in 30 cases with available pre- and post-treatment optical coherence tomography angiography images. RESULTS: The sufficient group included younger patients with better baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), more treatment-naïve eyes, and smaller MNV lesions at baseline than the insufficient group (all, P < 0.047). Complete SRF resolution was 81.8% in treatment-naïve eyes and only 33.3% in previously treated eyes. MNV expanded after half-dose PDT was combined with IVA regardless of the treatment outcome (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Half-dose PDT combined with IVA was effective for PNV treatment, especially for younger patients with good baseline BCVA, treatment-naïve eyes, and small MNV sizes at baseline. MNV expanded after treatment regardless of the treatment outcomes.

Efficacy of optical coherence tomography angiography guided half-dose photodynamic therapy in the treatment of acute central serous chorioretinopathy / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the efficacy of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) guided half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial. A total of 72 patients (72 eyes) with acute CSC in Peking University People's Hospital from April 2019 to April 2020 were included in the study. They were randomly divided into OCTA group (OCTA-guided PDT, 31 eyes of 31 patients) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) group (ICGA-guided PDT, 33 eyes of 33 patients). All patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus color photography, OCTA and ICGA examinations. International standard visual acuity chart was used for BCVA examination, which was converted into logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity. In OCTA group, the hyper-reflective area on en face OCTA image at choriocapillaris level was identified as treating area. In ICGA group, the area of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability on ICGA which was related to the leakage on fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) was identified as treating area. The area corresponding to the treating area on FFA or ICGA was outlined on the color fundus photograph to guide PDT laser spot. The complete subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution, BCVA, central retinal thickness (CRT) at 1, 3, 6 months and SRF recurrent rate at 3, 6 months were observed. Continuous variables between the two groups were compared by t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. The χ2 test was used to compare the categorical variables. Results:At 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment, the SRF absorption rate in OCTA group and ICGA group was 74.2% (23/31), 63.6% (21/33), 87.1% (27/31) and 84.8% (28/33), 96.8% (30/31), 91.9% (31/33), respectively. OCTA-guided PDT was demonstrated noninferior to ICGA-guided PDT for complete SRF resolution at 1, 3, 6 months [95% confidence interval ( CI) -11.9%-33.1%, P=0.402; 95% CI -14.7%-19.3%, P=0.107; 95% CI-6.3%-16.1%, P=0.226]. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate of SRF between the two groups at 3 and 6 months after treatment ( χ2=0.009, 0.047; P=0.925, 0.828). The difference of CRT was statistically significant at 6 months ( t=2.017, P=0.047). There was no significant difference in logMAR BCVA at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment ( t=0.529, 0.762, 1.017; P=0.581, 0.403, 0.243). Conclusions:During 6 months follow-up, OCTA-guided PDT was demonstrated noninferior to ICGA-guided PDT for the SRF absorption rate in patients with acute CSC.

Crossover to Half-Dose Photodynamic Therapy or Eplerenone in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of crossover treatment to half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) and eplerenone treatment after the failure of primary treatment in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). DESIGN: Multicenter crossover clinical trial. SUBJECTS: At 3 months after the baseline visit of the SPECTRA (Half-Dose Photodynamic Therapy Versus Eplerenone: Treatment Trial for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy) randomized controlled trial, either half-dose PDT or eplerenone treatment was evaluated for each patient, and patients who still demonstrated subretinal fluid (SRF) were included in the current study, the SPECS (Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Treated with Half-Dose PDT or Eplerenone Crossover Study) trial. METHODS: At the baseline visits for the current SPECS trial, crossover treatment was performed for patients who still demonstrated SRF. These patients received either half-dose PDT or oral eplerenone for 12 weeks. Both anatomic and functional parameters were evaluated 3 months after crossover treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complete resolution of SRF on OCT. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were included in the SPECS trial (38 received primary eplerenone treatment; 11 received half-dose PDT). At 3 months after crossover treatment, 32 of 37 (86.5%) in the crossover to half-dose PDT group and 2 of 9 (22.2%) in the crossover to eplerenone group had complete SRF resolution (P = 0.030). The mean foveal sensitivity increased significantly more in the crossover to half-dose PDT group (mean, +3.08 dB) compared with the crossover to eplerenone group (mean, -0.27 dB; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cCSC with the persistence of SRF after primary eplerenone treatment can benefit from half-dose PDT, which can induce a relatively fast and complete SRF resolution, along with an improvement in foveal sensitivity.

Risk factors of persistent subretinal fluid after half-dose photodynamic therapy for treatment-naïve central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic factors on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) associated with incomplete subretinal fluid (SRF) absorption in treated-naïve eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) after the half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT). METHODS: Patients with CSC who underwent half-dose vPDT with a follow-up period of more than 3 months were included in this retrospective study. Logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors associated with the SRF persistence at 3 months after the treatment. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients with 150 eyes were enrolled in this study (102 male and 41 female patients). The rate of complete SRF resolution was 82.7% at 3 months for all cases. The duration of symptoms > 6 months (odds ratio [OR] = 3.135, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] (1.147-8.573), p = 0.026), larger SRF area with base diameter > 3 mm (odds ratio (OR) = 4.051, 95% CI: 1.336-12.284, p = 0.013), and larger flat irregular pigment epithelium detachment (FI-PED) area with base diameter > 1 mm (OR = 3.311, 95% CI: 1.249-8.780, p = 0.016) on OCT B-scans were risk factors for incomplete SRF absorption after half-dose vPDT, while outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness was not significantly associated with the anatomical outcome (OR = 1.015, 95% CI: 0.995-1.036, p = 0.145). CONCLUSION: The duration of symptoms, baseline SRF, and FI-PED base diameter on SD-OCT were important predictors for the anatomical outcome at 3 months after half-dose vPDT. Further studies are needed to establish a better therapeutic strategy for patients with poor response to half-dose vPDT.

The Choroid after Half-Dose Photodynamic Therapy in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To characterize choroidal structure and vasculature after half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy (hd-vPDT) in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy using Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A). METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 10 eyes. Choroid was examined before and at 1 month following hd-vPDT. We measured choroidal thickness (CT) at subfoveal area and at 750 µm nasal and temporal of fovea and thickness of Haller and choriocapillaris/Sattler layers. Whole (WA), luminal (LA) and interstitial area (IA) at EDI-OCT, and perfusion density at OCT-A were analyzed. The unaffected fellow eyes were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Mean CT at subfoveal area and at 750 µm nasal and temporal of fovea, values of Haller and choriocapillaris/Sattler layers and those of WA, LA and IA were reduced, while PD increased at 1 month after hd-vPDT (all p < 0.001). There was a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation (ρ = -0.658) between PD and post-treatment logMARVA. None of analyzed parameters reached values of unaffected fellow eye. CONCLUSION: Following hd-vPDT, choroidal thickness with both luminal and interstitial components markedly decreased, while perfusion of choriocapillaris improved.

Long term outer retinal changes in central serous chorioretinopathy submitted to half-dose photodynamic therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term changes in the foveal and parafoveal outer retina after half-dose photodynamic therapy (HD-PDT) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: Retrospective study including CSC patients submitted to HD-PDT. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography automatic segmentation algorithm was used and data on retinal, inner retinal, outer retinal and outer nuclear layers (ONL) in both foveal 1 mm (C) and parafoveal 3 mm ETDRS circles for the superior, nasal, inferior and temporal sectors, were obtained at baseline and 3, 12 and 24 months post-treatment. Subfoveal choroidal thickness, photoreceptors' outer segment thickness, subretinal fluid (SRF) height and width were also measured. RESULTS: Twenty-one eyes of 15 patients were included. At baseline, the mean ONL thickness in the foveal area was significantly thinner in affected eyes compared to their fellow unaffected ones (55,50 ± 32,75 µm vs 93,00 ± 17,0 µm; p = 0,011), and was negatively correlated to logMAR BCVA (R=-0,601, p = 0,008) ONL thickness increased by 10,94 ± 11,88 µm at 24 months in the foveal area, and all the parafoveal sectors presented a similar increase. Baseline SRF width was significantly correlated with baseline BCVA (R1 = 0,483, p = 0,036), and with ONL thickness in all sectors. CONCLUSION: In our study we found a significant long-term increase in foveal and parafoveal ONL thickness in CSC after HD-PDT, suggesting that this seems to be a safe treatment for the outer retina. This is the first study mapping the outer retinal changes in the macular area to 24 months follow up.

RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PRESENCE OF CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARISATION USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY WITH THE AID OF PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY.

PURPOSE: Analysis of the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in eyes treated with photodynamic therapy in a reduced dosing regimen (HD-PDT, half dose of verteporfin) for the chronic form of central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of OCTA findings in 54 eyes of 52 patients treated for cCSC with HD-PDT. OCTA was performed on Angioplex Zeiss Cirrus 5000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA) 1 year after HD-PDT to verify changes typical of cCSC. By analyzing the results of this examination, we evaluated in particular the presence or absence of concomitant CNV and the correlation of the present CNV with the average resulting best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: We analyzed the OCTA findings of 54 eyes (52 patients), in which we demonstrated the presence of concomitant CNV in 35 eyes (35.2 %). Revealed CNV occurred in 82 % below the undulating hyperreflective RPE line. In eyes with CNV, the mean BCVA (72 letters ETDRS) was statistically significantly lower than in eyes without CNV (82.7 letters ETDRS) (p = 0.0179). CONCLUSION: In our retrospective evaluation of a group of patients who underwent HD-PDT for cCSC, we demonstrated with OCTA the presence of CNV in 35.2 % eyes 1 year after the treatment. We believe that the presence of type I CNV is a complication of the chronic disease itself rather than an adverse effect of HD-PDT.

Quantitative Evaluation of Retinal Vessel Density in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy after Half-dose Photodynamic Therapy.

PURPOSE: To determine vessel changes in retinochoroid with optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCT angiography) and spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) after half-dose photodynamic therapy (hd-PDT). METHODS: A prospective observational study of 62 eyes of 58 patients undergoing hd-PDT was followed for 3 months. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed at baseline; best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus photography, OCT angiography and SD-OCT were performed at baseline, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up visits. RESULTS: The mean vessel density of inner retina (VDIR) layer was 50.72 ± 3.17 at baseline, then decreased to 48.97 ± 4.34 at 1-month follow-up (p < .001), and partially recovered to 49.00 ± 4.28 at 3-month follow-up (p < .001); the mean area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was 0.303 ± 0.107 mm2 at baseline, and then increased to 0.339 ± 0.121 mm2 and 0.342 ± 0.125 mm2 at 1-month and 3-month follow-up after hd-PDT (p < .001, p < .001). The mean diameters of choroidal big vessels (DCV) were 309.66 ± 72.24 microns at baseline, then decreased to 300.13 ± 69.38 microns at 1-month and 293.39 ± 69.92 microns at 3-month after treatment (p < .001, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Currently common applied hd-PDT for patients with CSC has significantly impact on both retinal and choroidal vessels. The retinal capillary flow decreased, therefore optimizing PDT parameters for treating CSC may still be necessary in the future.

Assessment of the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the anatomical and functional results of the treatment of 54 eyes with chronic form of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using photodynamic therapy in a reduced (half) verteporfin (HD-PDT) dosing regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our prospective study included 54 eyes of 52 patients (40 males, 12 females) at an average age of 50.1 years (median 49.5, range 30-75 years) treated at the Ophthalmology Clinic of the First Faculty of Medicine and Military University Hospital in Prague from January 2012 to January 2018 for chronic form of CSC with a minimum disease duration of 3 months. In our study, we evaluated the improvement of the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) before treatment and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after HD-PDT. RESULTS: The mean baseline BCVA was 68.91 ± 10.5 ETDRS letters (median 71; range 35-85) and the mean baseline CRT was 385.6 ± 118.5 µm (median 367, 5 µm; range 245-1000 µm). At the end of the follow-up period, the average BCVA was 79 ± 11 ETDRS letters (median 82; range 38-93). The improvement in BCVA before and after treatment was statistically significant in all measurements (p < 0.0001). The mean CRT at the end of the follow-up period was 263.5 ± 52 µm (median 258.5 µm; range 162-404 µm). The decrease in CRT at all timepoints was statistically significant compared to baseline (p < 0.0001). In our set of patients, at the end of the follow-up period, the retinal finding was improved or stabilized in 50 eyes (92.6 %). In this study, we observed in 2 cases the development of secondary choroidal neovascularization (CNV). CONCLUSION: HD-PDT is a long-term safe and effective method of treating chronic forms of CSC. However, despite a reduced dose of verteporfin, complications may occur.

Half-dose photodynamic therapy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: Efficacy and safety outcomes in real world.

PURPOSE: To have an insight of the outcomes of half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) for patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in a real world population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective consecutive case series, one-centre study, with a 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: The study took into account 15 eyes of 13 patients. All patients were male in gender and only 1 eye belonged to a non-caucasian. The sample mean age was 51,27±11,66 (between 36 and 74 years); mean baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0,40±0,25 logMAR and central macular thickness (CMT) was 411,40±88,44µm. All patients had subretinal fluid (SRF) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) detachment involving the fovea. In a month time, BCVA and CMT had remarkable improvements with only one eye not gaining letters. At 6-month visit, 46,7% of the eyes were provided with additional treatment (intra-vitreal anti-VEGF or PDT). In the final visit no eye had worsened more than 5 letters and 53,3% had a BCVA improvement of at least 5 letters, with only 2 eyes remaining with RPE detachment and SRF. There was a steady regression in CMT throughout the follow-up; 93,3% had CMT under 300µm and CMT mean was 249,93±72,78µm. There were no reported complications. CONCLUSION: These results support PDT as a valuable approach for therapeutic decisions on chronic CSC as well as the need of other add up treatments for a better final outcome. Further evaluations with longer follow-up's should be taken into consideration for safety issues.

Half-dose photodynamic therapy followed by diode micropulse laser therapy as treatment for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: evaluation of a prospective treatment protocol.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of a prospective protocol for the treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: Interventional prospective case series in 59 eyes (59 patients) with active chronic CSC. All patients were first treated with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA)-guided half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT). In case of persistent serous subretinal fluid (SRF) after a follow-up period of at least 6 weeks, ICGA-guided PDT was repeated. If the SRF persisted after two PDT treatments, additional ICGA-guided high-density subthreshold diode micropulse laser (HSML) therapy was performed. Clinical evaluation included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundoscopy, OCT, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography and ICGA. RESULTS: After a single PDT treatment, complete resolution of SRF was seen in 37 of 59 eyes. Of the 22 eyes with no complete resolution of SRF, 19 eyes received a second PDT treatment, after which seven eyes of the 19 eyes showed a complete resolution of SRF. Ten eyes underwent HSML, of which one eye had complete resolution of SRF within 7 weeks. At final follow-up a complete resolution of SRF was present in 80% of all eyes. The mean BCVA improved from 0.28 logMAR at baseline to 0.16 logMAR at final follow-up. Improvement of BCVA was highest after the first treatment (-0.12 logMAR, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed treatment strategy using half-dose PDT and HSML in active chronic CSC resulted in an anatomical success rate of 80%. The first half-dose PDT treatment has the highest likelihood of a favourable treatment response on OCT and BCVA increase.

Macular sensitivity after half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy in central serous chorioretinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the macular sensitivity after half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy in patients with resolved central serous chorioretinopathy using the automated static perimeter. METHODS: Prospective consecutive case study of 24 patients with resolved central serous chorioretinopathy was performed. The macular sensitivity was measured using a conventional automated static perimeter with the Swedish interactive threshold algorithm 10-2 and foveal threshold. Best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus examination, macular thickness, and volume were also examined. The mean macular sensitivities of the affected eyes and their normal fellow eyes were calculated and compared. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean macular sensitivities of the affected eyes were lower than the normal fellow eyes with a statistically significant difference in all areas of the study (P<0.05). Best corrected visual acuity improved significantly from pretreatment (0.26±0.3 logMAR) to posttreatment (0.075±0.15 logMAR, P<0.05). Macular thicknesses in affected eyes were 230.66±67.34 µm and in the normal eyes were 238.33±92.26 µm (P=0.68). Macular volumes in affected eyes were 8.77±0.49 and in the normal eyes were 8.70±0.50 (P=0.60). These findings were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Eyes with resolved central serous chorioretinopathy after half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy had lower macular sensitivity than normal fellow eyes. These findings agreed well with the previous microperimetric studies. The conventional automated static perimeter can also be used when a microperimeter is not available.

Correlation Between Optical Coherence Tomography and Visual-Acuity in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Treated with Half Dose Photodynamic Therapy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) and determine the correlation between morphological changes measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and visual acuity in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients with chronic CSC who had received half-dose verteporfin PDT were enrolled in the present study. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, and the integrity of the photoreceptor inner and outer segment junction (IS/OS) using SD-OCT were evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: The neurosensory retinal detachment disappeared in all eyes 6 months after treatment. The BCVA improved significantly from 0.50 +/- 0.32 to 0.31 +/- 0.29 log MAR at 6 months (p < 0.001). The average ONL thickness at the central fovea was 88.76 +/- 19.95 microm at 6 months and the ONL thickness was well correlated with the BCVA (gamma = -0.64; p = 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the status of IS/OS and the BCVA. CONCLUSIONS: Half-dose PDT is effective in treating chronic CSC resulting in visual improvement and complete resolution of neurosensory retinal detachment. The ONL thickness which was positively correlated with the BCVA could be an indicator for visual prognosis of chronic CSC.