To evaluate the clinical results of short duration photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

We retrospectively examined 15 eyes after PDT for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. PDT for 83 seconds was evaluated for 8 eyes, and PDT for 60 seconds was evaluated for 7 eyes. Improvement in vision and changes in central macular thickness were evaluated with an optical coherence tomogram (OCT), and improvement in leaking was evaluated with a fluorescein angiogram (FA). Recurrence was also studied.

Visual acuity improved from 0.39 to 0.57 ( p =0.04), and the mean central macular thickness decreased from 426.29 µm to 184.71 µm ( p <0.01) in 7 eyes treated with PDT for 60 seconds. There was no significant change in visual acuity between the two groups ( p =0.77) or in central macular thickness ( p =0.52). Central macular exudation resolved completely in all eyes. After PDT, there was no recurrence during the follow-up period.

Short duration PDT with verteporfin appears to be a beneficial treatment option for patients with chronic CSC.