Optical coherence tomography biomarkers in central serous chorioretinopathy: a review

Central serous chorioretinopathy is characterized by focal dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium associated with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, which causes subretinal fluid to accumulate and serous detachment of the neurosensory retina to form, accompanied by detachments, defects, or other alterations of the retinal pigment epithelium. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography are indispensable in central serous chorioretinopathy for diagnostic verification, exclusion of complications, determination of management strategies, and subsequent patient monitoring. Based on the conducted exploratory and analytical review, it should be noted that, despite the large body of research on OCT diagnostics in central serous chorioretinopathy, many issues remain insufficiently investigated. In particular, further clarification is required regarding the criteria for distinguishing acute and chronic disease courses, the capabilities of OCT for verification of presumed leakage areas, and its role in detecting choroidal neovascularization. Further research is also necessary to refine the criteria for disease progression, recurrence, positive and negative treatment response, and the development of complications. To structure the data on diagnostic and management approaches to central serous chorioretinopathy, the investigation of OCT biomarkers appears especially relevant. Owing to numerous clinical studies in recent years, the potential clinical applications of OCT biomarkers in central serous chorioretinopathy have expanded. OCT biomarkers of recurrence, as well as predictive and prognostic OCT biomarkers of favorable and unfavorable disease outcomes, have been identified. Thus, the primary clinical value of OCT biomarkers lies in their ability to support individualized patient management, enabling a personalized approach to treatment based on the specific characteristics of disease course.