Argon laser photocoagulation therapy for nonresolving central serous chorioretinopathy

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of argon laser therapy for nonresolving central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in a Saudi patient population. Patients and methods This is a prospective case series study of 20 eyes (20 patients) having nonresolving CSCR. In all of them, no signs of spontaneous improvement were noticed in 3 months. The assessment of the patients, including history taking, visual acuity, full ocular examination using slit lamp biomicroscopy, and fundus fluorescein angiography were done at baseline. Optical coherence tomography was done before treatment and at all follow-up (FU) visits. Fundus autofluorescence was done in 16 cases. The FU was done for 6–30 months (mean=9.7±6.4 months). Results The age of the patients ranged from 24 to 73 years (mean=43.0±10.9 years). One laser session was enough in 18 (90%) eyes, while two sessions were needed in two (10%) eyes. All study eyes experienced subjective improvement in vision following treatment. The mean LogMAR visual acuity improved from 0.51±0.155 before the laser treatment to 0.23±0.23 at the last FU, with a statistically significant difference ( P =0.000). The mean height of the subretinal fluid at the foveal centre decreased significantly from 196.79±116.7 µm before treatment to 11.16±14.7 µm at the last FU ( P =0.000). The integrity of the inner segment ellipsoid zone and normality of the foveal AF were associated with a better visual outcome. No treatment-related complications were encountered in any case. Conclusion Although argon laser therapy is an old treatment modality for CSCR, it remains an effective one. It is easy, cheap, readily available, and safe when properly done. Foveal AF appearance and post-treatment inner segment ellipsoid zone integrity are important predictors of visual improvement in CSCR following the argon laser treatment.