Fundus autofluorescence and visual acuity in central serous chorioretinopathy

To investigate the fundus autofluorescence (FAF) abnormalities in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and evaluate potential correlations with visual acuity.

Retrospective, observational case series.

Four hundred seventy-five eyes of 238 patients with CSC.

Consecutive patients with CSC underwent FAF imaging, as well as routine ophthalmologic examinations. Confluent hypoautofluorescence was defined as a region of absent autofluorescence greater than one fourth of a disk diameter. Granular hypoautofluorescence was defined if there was a grainy or coarse region of decreased fluorescence as compared with normal surrounding areas greater than one fourth of a disc diameter in size. A descending tract was a downward leading swathe of decreased autofluorescence originating from the posterior pole to extend below the inferior arcade.

The pattern and frequency of FAF abnormalities and their correlations with corrected visual acuity.

The mean age of the subjects was 57.1 years (standard deviation, 13.3), and 181 (76.1%) were male. Confluent and granular hypoautofluorescence was detected in the macula of 54 (11.4%) and 300 (63.2%) of 475 eyes, respectively. Descending tracts from the macula were observed in 43 (9.1%) eyes and from the optic disc in 43 (9.1%) eyes. Multiple regression analysis revealed that confluent hypoautofluorescence of the macula, granular hypoautofluorescence of the macula, and increasing age all were independent predictors of decreased visual acuity.

The FAF abnormalities in CSC show multiple distinct patterns and seem to provide functional information.