Nonvisible subthreshold micropulse diode laser (810 nm) treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy: A pilot study

PURPOSE. To verify the efficacy of nonvisible micropulse diode laser irradiation in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS. Twenty-two patients with CSC for a total of 24 eyes with a disease duration longer than 3 months were included in a prospective study. Patients underwent Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity (VA) examination, dilated ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography before treatment and during follow-up. Treatment with a micropulse diode laser was given with a duty cycle of 15%. Multiple spots were placed over and adjacent to the area of retinal pigment epithelium leak or decompensation. RESULTS. Mean follow-up was 14 months (range 3-36 months). Powers used ranged from 1 to 2 IN (mean 1.35 W). Mean number of spots was 215 (range 90-400). Fourteen eyes were treated once, nine eyes received two to three treatments, and one eye had five treatments during a follow-up of 3 years. Subretinal fluid was resolved or improved in two third of cases 1 month after laser treatment, and in three-quarters at the end of follow-up. Mean retinal thickness was 328 pm, 197 pm, and 168 pm before, 1 month after irradiation, and at the end of follow-up, respectively. No evidence of RPE or retinal changes due to laser treatment were discernible in most of the eyes. Median VA was 20132 (range 20/100-20/20) before treatment and 20125 (range 20/200-20/20) at the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS. Nonvisible micropulse diode laser may have efficacy in the treatment of CSC. A randomized study with larger series is needed. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2008; 18: 934-40)