Pattern of Contrast Sensitivity Changes in Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Visual Function

Background:

• Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a condition affecting the retina.
• Visual acuity (VA) is often preserved, but other visual functions like contrast sensitivity (CS) may be impacted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in contrast sensitivity (CS) in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).
• To investigate the relationship between subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution and CS recovery.

Main Methods:

• Monthly evaluations of VA, CS, and SRF over 6 months.
• Treatment (focal laser or photodynamic therapy) considered for persistent SRF after 3 months.
• Correlation analysis between SRF thickness and CS at various spatial frequencies.

Main Results:

• Spontaneous SRF resolution occurred in 60% of eyes within 4 months.
• Baseline CS was impaired across all spatial frequencies.
• CS significantly improved with SRF reduction (p=0.001).
• CS at 6 cycles per degree (cpd) did not fully recover compared to the fellow eye.
• Higher CS at 12 cpd was observed in the spontaneous resolution group.

Conclusions:

• Impaired CS in CSC gradually improves with SRF reduction.
• CS at 3 and 12 cpd shows continued improvement post-fluid resolution.
• Despite good final VA, CS may not return to normal levels by 6 months.