Continuous Laser Versus Micropulse Laser in the Treatment of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Retrospective Study

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a retinal disorder characterized by complex mechanisms leading to abnormal fluid accumulation under the retina. While management remains controversial, laser therapy has been successfully used. This study compares the efficacy of continuous laser (CL) and micropulse laser (ML) therapy in treating CSCR, focusing on reduction in macular thickness and improvement in visual acuity.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including patients with CSCR treated with either CL or ML. The primary outcome measured was the reduction in average macular thickness (AMT), alongside secondary outcomes like changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF).

The study evaluated 121 patients with CSCR, treated either with CL or ML. The primary outcome showed that the mean reduction in AMT was 51.14 µm (±20) in the CL group and 29.88 µm (±22) in the ML group, without a statistically significant difference (p=0.10). For the secondary outcomes, the improvement in BCVA was comparable in both groups, with CL at 0.15 (±0.1) and ML at 0.12 (±0.1) and no significant difference (p=0.41). However, in SFCT reduction, CL showed greater efficacy with a mean reduction of 32.19 µm (±15) compared to ML's 4.85 µm (±18), which was statistically significant (p=0.0004). The degree of SRF resolution showed no significant difference between the treatments (p=0.065).

Both CL and ML are effective in the management of CSCR, with CL being more effective in reducing SFCT. These findings suggest the need for personalized treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics and underline the complexity of CSCR management.