Direct navigated focal laser photocoagulation of choroidal neovascularization in central serous chorioretinopathy

To report the efficacy and safety of navigated focal laser photocoagulation (FLP) in the management of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

This interventional case series included patients with CSCR complicated by CNV, defined as the presence of characteristic OCT angiography features. All patients underwent FLP targeting the area of CNV, using the navigated laser system followed by a minimum six-month follow-up. The main outcome measure was complete resolution of subretinal fluid at the end of follow-up.

This study included 16 eyes of 16 patients (6 males and 10 females, mean age 59.3 ± 7.9 years). Mean baseline CNV area was 0.44 ± 0.23 mm². All eyes achieved complete resolution of SRF at 1.1 ± 0.4 months after FLP. At the beginning and at the end of follow-up best-corrected visual acuity was 0.16 ± 0.17 and 0.07 ± 0.12 LogMAR (p = 0.12), respectively. Central retinal thickness decreased from 372.4 ± 83.06 to 215.3 ± 21.5 μm (p < 0.0001), while subfoveal choroidal thickness remained stable (344.6 ± 101.0 μm at baseline and 316.8 ± 99.9 μm at the end of the follow-up, p = 0.53). No visual or anatomical deterioration was observed during 11.5 ± 7.5 months of follow-up.

Navigated FLP of the area of CNV is an effective and safe option in the management of CSCR complicated by relatively small extrafoveal neovascular membranes.