Photobiomodulation Therapy with Low-Level Light in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of photobiomodulation (PBM) in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC).

Methods: In this retrospective study, ten eyes from nine patients with cCSC were treated with PBM. All patients had persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) for ≥ 6 months and no history of prior laser therapy. PBM was delivered once a week for 4 weeks, then monthly for two additional months using a dual-wavelength (590 and 625 nm) protocol delivered through the eye-light® device. Anatomical and functional outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months through multimodal imaging and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results: Mean patient age was 45.37 years. At 6 months, mean BCVA improved significantly from 67.12 (±4.96) to 77.87 (±7.77) ETDRS letters (p = 0.0053). SRF completely resolved in 70% of eyes, partially improved in 10%, and remained unchanged in 20%. Among five eyes with serous avascular pigment epithelial detachment (PED), two PEDs resolved, one partially regressed, and two were unchanged. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: PBM may be beneficial in improving retinal anatomy and visual function in cCSC, with an excellent safety profile. These findings support PBM as a promising noninvasive treatment modality in patients with cCSC. Prospective controlled trials are warranted to validate its efficacy and durability.

Keywords: Central serous chorioretinopathy; Chronic CSC; Low-level light therapy; Photobiomodulation; Pigment epithelial detachment; Retina; Subretinal fluid; Visual acuity.