AIM:To explore the clinical effect of transpupillary thermotherapy(TTT)for the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC)with parafoveal leaks.

METHODS: Twenty-three eyes from nineteen patients with long-standing CSC and parafoveal leaks(50-200μm around the fovea)who opted for TTT and observation were enrolled in this study. Eighteen of nineteen patients(23 eyes)were male, fourteen of twenty-three eyes were right eyes. The patients' mean age was 44.00±4.973 years(range from 32-52 years). TTT was performed using 810nm infrared diode laser. All patients underwent Snellen visual acuity measurement(converted to LogMAR for analysis)fundus examination, fluorescein angiography(FFA)and optical coherence tomography(OCT). Follow-up was scheduled at 1, 2, 6mo.

RESULTS:Following treatment of TTT, complete resolution of neurosensory detachment on OCT and disappearance of leakage on FFA was seen in fourteen eyes(61%), twenty-one eyes(91%)at the 2mo and twenty-three eyes(100%)at the 6mo respectively. A total of 74% had ≥3 lines of improvement after 6mo. Success was defined as resolution of neurosensory on OCT and disappearance of leakage on FFA at the 2mo. Failure was defined as no change at the 6mo and no improvement of visual acuity.

CONCLUSION:TTT is safe and effective therapeutic option in patients with CSC and parafoveal leaks. It may improve the visual acuity by shortening the persistent serous elevation of the macula.