Purpose:
To report long-term functional and anatomic results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 10 eyes of 9 patients with CSCR was performed. Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness, and angiographic features were evaluated before and after treatment with PDT. 36 months later we compared the same parameters and evaluated new ones, Ishihara's test and the photoreceptor inner and outer segment junction line using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).
Results:
During first controls after PDT, BCVA improved 1 to 6 lines of vision (Snellen's chart) in 8 eyes (80%), mean central foveal thickness and macular volumen decreased in all cases. 36 months later BCVA was unchanged in 5 eyes (50%) and it reduced 1 to 3 lines of vision in 5 eyes (50%). OCT showed focal detachment of retinal pigmentary epithelium in 3 eyes (30%), neurosensorial detachment and choroidal neovascular membranes in 2 eyes (20%). Ishihara's test revealed discromatopsy in 3 eyes (30%) and one of this presented severe reduction in thickness and macular volumen of external retinal layers by SD-OCT.
Conclusions:
The long-term efficacy of PDT for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy is temporary. Larger studies and follow-ups are needed to assosiate new therapies that provide best results for long time.
Keywords: retina • photodynamic therapy • retinal pigment epithelium