Low Fluence Photodynamic Therapy Versus Graded Subthreshold Transpupillary Thermotherapy for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Results From a Prospective Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The authors compare low fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) against graded subthreshold transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-two eyes of 42 patients with chronic CSC were included in this prospective, nonrandomized, interventional trial. All patients were offered PDT as an initial intervention. If they declined PDT, TTT was offered. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent PDT and 22 underwent TTT. The difference in best-corrected visual acuity between the TTT and PDT groups at baseline and at 6 months after treatment was not significant (P =.728). The mean foveal thickness decreased significantly in both groups (P =.001). However, patients in the TTT group required more treatments (P =.013) and longer time for resolution of the CSC (P =.013). CONCLUSIONS: Both PDT and TTT may be equally effective in the treatment of chronic CSC. Graded subthreshold TTT may be a cost-effective and safe alternative for PDT.