New Guidelines in the Treatment of Persistent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: PDT with Half-Dose Verteporfin

Background: In persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) resolution of detachment can be achieved by photodynamic therapy. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of half-dose verteporfin compared to full-dose verteporfin. Patients and Methods: In 2009 the standard PDT regimen for CSC in our clinic was changed from full-dose to half-dose verteporfin. After a retrospective analysis 11 cases of half-dose PDT with documented course in 11 patients are presented. A comparison was performed with a control group of 11 consecutive patients with documented course who had received full-dose PDT before 2009. Results: Prior to PDT there were no statistically significant differences between the groups concerning age, central foveal thickness, thickness of detachment, BCVA (EDTRS) and size of spot. 6 weeks after PDT a significant reduction of foveal thickness and detachment was detected in both groups, as well as a significant increase in BCVA. No statistically significant differences in outcome could be found between the two groups (Mann-Whitney U-test, p < 0.05). Conclusions: PDT with half-dose verteporfin seems to be an effective and safe treatment for persistent CSC. Our data showed comparable results after half-dose and after full-dose PDT.