Long‐Term Effects of Half‐Time Photodynamic Therapy on Retinal Sensitivity in Eyes with Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Takehito Iwase, Hirotaka Yokouchi, Masayasu Kitahashi, Mariko Kubota-Taniai, Takayuki Baba, Shuichi Yamamoto
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long‐term effects of half‐time photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the retinal sensitivity in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Twenty‐two eyes of 22 patients with chronic CSC were studied. PDT was applied with full‐dose verteporfin and half‐time laser duration. The best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal sensitivity in the central 2 and 10 degrees were evaluated at the baseline, and at 12 and 24 months after the half‐time PDT. The retinal sensitivity was determined by Macular Integrity Assessment microperimetry (MAIA, Centervue, Padova, Italy). The results showed that the mean retinal sensitivities in the central 2 and 10 degrees were significantly improved at 12 months (25.6 ± 2.79 dB, median; 26.11 dB, 25.6 ± 2.25 dB, median; 25.65 dB, respectively; P < 0.001) and at 24 months (26.3 ± 2.62 dB, median; 27.38 dB, 26.6 ± 2.21 dB, median; 27.45 dB, respectively; P < 0.001) after the treatment compared to that at the baseline (19.2 ± 3.93 dB, median; 19.34 dB, 20.9 ± 2.92 dB, median; 20.9 dB, respectively). The BCVA was also significantly improved from 0.18 ± 0.19 median; 0.15 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units at the baseline to 0.07 ± 0.15 median; 0 logMAR units at 12 months ( P < 0.001) and to 0.049 ± 0.16 median; ‐0.039 logMAR units at 24 months ( P < 0.001). We conclude that half‐time PDT results in a significant improvement of the mean central retinal sensitivity for at least 24 months in eyes with chronic CSC. Thus, half‐time PDT is beneficial in resolving chronic CSC for a relatively long period.