Transpupillary thermotherapy for subfoveal leaks in central serous chorioretinopathy

AIM: To evaluate transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for the treatment of subfoveal focal leaks in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: The patients presenting with long-standing CSC, but without the features of chronicity, were offered the options of TTT, photodynamic therapy (for subfoveal leaks), photocoagulation (for extrafoveal leaks), or observation. The patients who opted for TTT or observation were enrolled in this study. TTT was performed using a spot diameter of 0.5 mm for 1 min. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), status of macular detachment, and fluorescein angiographic status were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: This study included 39 patients (40 eyes) with CSC between 4 and 12 months, of whom 25 patients (25 eyes) opted for TTT for subfoveal leaks. Fourteen patients (15 eyes) were followed up without treatment. The groups were comparable in age, sex, and baseline BCVA. Minimum follow-up was 6 months. Within 3 months, TTT resulted in the resolution of the serous detachment in 24 (96%) eyes with a single session; one eye required a repeat treatment. Eight control eyes demonstrated persisting CSC at the last follow-up. Visual acuity improved in 23 (92%) treated and five (33%) control eyes; the difference in outcome was statistically significant (P<0.001). One case developed choroidal neovascularization, which resolved with visual recovery to 20/20 after repeat-TTT. CONCLUSION: TTT resulted in the resolution of CSC with subfoveal angiographic leaks with significant improvement in visual outcome, in comparison to the natural history of persistent CSC.