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

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

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).

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.

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.