In this interview from the ASRS 2013 Annual Meeting, Dr. Jennifer Lim discusses a recent retrospective study on photodynamic therapy (PDT) for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).  The study found that PDT at either full or half dose is an effective and safe treatment for chronic CSC. 

The study collected data from 237 treatment-naive patients and a total of 265 eyes with a mean of 24 months of chronic CSC prior to undergoing PDT. The investigators analyzed the PDT treatment parameters, baseline visual acuity and improvements, imaging studies to confirm resolution of subretinal fluid, and any adverse events associated with therapy.  

Patients with worse baseline vision experienced greatest improvement in visual acuity after treatment: 50% of those with 20/100 or worse vision improved 2 or more lines. In gauging anatomic success, the study found approximately 80% of all patients had complete resolution of fluid, and 80% of patients required only 1 treatment to reach this endpoint. In general, verteporfin dosage did not affect anatomic or visual outcomes or incidence of adverse events, which was very low within the entire cohort. 

Dr. Lim discusses how to apply these study outcomes in treating patients with chronic CSC, including how to image patients, what systemic and contributory risk factors should be considered, where to apply treatment, and alternative drug therapies.