Microsecond yellow laser for subfoveal leaks in central serous chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of navigated yellow microsecond laser in treating subfoveal leaks in nonresolving central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: This prospective study included ten eyes of ten consecutive patients with nonresolving CSC with subfoveal leaks. All eyes were treated with 577 nm navigated yellow microsecond laser (5% duty cycle). Key inclusion criteria include a vision loss for a duration of minimum 3 months duration due to focal subfoveal leak on fluorescein angiography. Key exclusion criteria include prior treatment for CSC and any signs of chronic CSC. Comprehensive examination, in addition to low-contrast visual acuity assessment, microperimetry, autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and fundus fluorescein angiography, was done at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Rescue laser was performed as per predefined criteria at 3 months. RESULTS: The average best-corrected visual acuity improved from 73.3±16.1 letters to 75.8±14.0 (P=0.69) at 3 months and 76.9±13.0 (P=0.59) at 6 months, but was not statistically significant. Low-contrast visual acuity assessment (logMAR) improved from 0.41±0.32 to 0.35±0.42 (P=0.50) at 3 months and 0.28±0.33 (P=0.18) at 6 months. Average retinal sensitivity significantly improved from baseline 18.93±7.19 dB to 22.49±6.67 dB (P=0.01) at 3 months and 21.46±8.47 dB (P=0.04) at 6 months. Rescue laser was required only in one eye at 3 months; however, laser was required in three eyes at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Microsecond laser is a safe and effective modality for treating cases of nonresolving CSC with subfoveal leaks.