Purpose: This study aims to compare the effect of laser photocoagulation or observation on choroidal vascularity in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 30 patients with acute CSCR treated either with laser photocoagulation (16 eyes) or sham laser (14 eyes) was performed. Demographic details, visual acuity (VA) assessment, and other relevant clinical data were considered from baseline to the 3rd and 6th month follow-up visits. Participants with chronic CSCR and missing follow-up or inadequate data were excluded. Choroidal analysis including choroidal thickness and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) assessment was done for each visit using Spectral Domain (SD) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images.
Results: In laser arm group, there was a statistically significant change in VA, contrast sensitivity and central macular thickness (CMT) and neurosensory detachment (NSD) (P < 0.05) at the 3rd and 6th month visits. However, there was no statistically significant difference in subfoveal choroidal thickens (SFCT) and CVI (P > 0.05) at both the visits. In sham laser group, similarly, there was a significant improvement in VA, contrast sensitivity, CMT, and CVI (P < 0.05) at the 3rd and 6th month visits. There was significant reduction in NSD at the 3rd month; however, it was not statistically significant at the 6th month visit. SFCT did not change significantly at both the visits. There was no significant difference for the changes in parameters between the groups at the 6th month. Regression analysis showed no significant correlation with final VA with any of the baseline parameters.
Conclusion: Early laser photocoagulation does lead to change in choroidal morphology, though insignificant, in comparison to observation. The present data, yet again, support no additional benefit of early laser photocoagulation in acute CSCR.
Keywords: Central serous chorioretinopathy; choroid; choroidal vascularity.