Photodynamic therapy with low-fluence PDT for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: a short term pilot study

Purpose:To evaluate short term safety of low fluence photodynamic therapy (LFPDT) protocol for treating chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods:10 eyes of 10 patients with symptomatic chronic CSC underwent PDT using 25J/cm2, 300mW/cm2. Those were compared to 10 eyes of 10 patients affected chronic CSC, treated with regular PDT (50J/cm2, 600mW/cm2). Serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography was performed before PDT, 1, 3, 6 month after PDT. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), OCT central retinal thickness were compared longitudinally. Results:At 6 month after PDT, the median BCVA remained stable in the LFPDT group (p=0.35) while worsened, even if not significantly, in the control group (P=0.09). In both groups the mean central retinal thickness reduced: LFPDT, from 329 micron to 170 micron (p=0.002) PDT, from 360 micron to 180 micron (p=0.0005). Both groups showed a reduction of serous retinal detachment and/or PED Conclusions:Low fluence photodynamic therapy appeared to be a beneficial treatment option for patients with chronic CSC, especially in eyes without serous PED. Further controlled study is warranted to demonstrate the long term safety and efficacy of this treatment option.