Change of regional choroid thickness after reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE

To evaluate macular choroidal thickness after reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

DESIGN

Prospective, consecutive, interventional case series.

METHODS

Twenty-two eyes with chronic CSC were treated with reduced-fluence PDT. Macular choroidal thickness was examined using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with a 3-dimensinonal radial scan protocol in the choroidal mode before and 1, 3, and 6 months after the treatment. The mean choroidal thickness in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid (center, inner circle, and outer circle) was compared between before and after therapy, as well as between treated eyes and 54 volunteer normal eyes.

RESULTS

Chronic CSC eyes showed significantly thicker choroids in the macular area compared with normal controls (P < .0001). After the single treatment session, subretinal fluid resolved completely in all eyes, and there were no recurrences during the study period. Choroidal thickness within the center area and inner circle showed a significant reduction at all time points after treatment (P < .05). The choroidal thickness in the outer circle showed a statistically significant reduction at 1 and 3 months but not at 6 months. After treatment, the choroidal thickness reduced to the normal values at the center and inner circle, but was still significantly thicker in the outer circle (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Chronic CSC eyes showed significantly thicker choroids in the macular area. After reduced-fluence PDT, macular choroidal thickness became thinner within 6 months of treatment.