To determine the efficacy and complication of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (chronic CSC).

The authors retrospectively examined 27 eyes of 26 patients who were diagnosed with chronic CSC and treated with PDT between February 2005 and February 2008, to determine visual acuity improvement, resolution of serous retinal detachment and occurrence of complications or recurrences.

One month after PDT, neurosensory detachment had disappeared in all patients. In addition, visual acuity had improved in 9 eyes by two lines or more on the Snellen chart, remained unchanged in 14 eyes, and decreased in 4 eyes by two lines or more on the Snellen chart. Final visual acuity had improved in 18 eyes, and remained unchanged in 9 eyes. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) had occurred in two patients, 9 days and 6 months after PDT. Intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab was performed and closure of CNV was obtained. One eye showed choroidal ischemia 1 month after PDT, although visual acuity was not decreased.

PDT appears to be an effective treatment for chronic CSC, and the recurrence rate after PDT is low. However, CNV may occur after PDT. Further studies are necessary to verify treatment safety and modulate the parameters of PDT to reduce complications such as CNV.