The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and potential value of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

FAF images were retrospectively evaluated in 122 eyes (119 patients) diagnosed with CSC by fluorescein angiography and OCT. Patients were classified into four groups (normal, mild, moderate, and intense) based on the intensity of FAF. We compared FAF patterns in acute and chronic-recurrent CSC and evaluated the differences in FAF according to the initial best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). We also assessed the differences in subretinal fluid resolution after laser photocoagulation among groups.

In the chronic-recurrent group, a significant increase in FAF was observed compared to the acute group ( p <0.001). The increase in initial visual acuity in the normal FAF group was statistically significant compared to the other groups ( p <0.05). The difference in FAF between patients with acute and chronic-recurrent CSC was not significant. FAF imaging in CSC demonstrates different leakage patterns according to the course of the disease, but the changes in FAF did not correspond to the leakage patterns. In 51 eyes in the group without treatment and in 27 eyes of the focal treatment group, no significant difference was found in subretinal fluid resolution.

FAF could be a non-invasive tool for monitoring RPE changes in central serous chorioretinopathy. FAF imaging could predict recent or former CSC episodes, and this information could be used to predict long-term visual acuity.