Correlation of spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings and visual acuity in central serous chorioretinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and to determine the visual prognostic factors.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 56 eyes of 49 patients who had the diagnosis of CSC. Patients were categorized into subgroups depending on symptoms and clinical findings. Together with the overall foveal integrity of inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) and external limiting membrane, several features of CSC including hyperreflective dots and hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium were investigated with spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Thickness measurements within the retina and choroid were performed.

Results: Best-corrected visual acuity was closely associated with IS/OS line integrity (P < 0.001). The length of IS/OS disruption also had significant correlation with BCVA (r = -0.324, P = 0.016). Loss of foveal IS/OS and external limiting membrane line integrity was related to low BCVA (P < 0.001 for both). Presence of hyperreflective dots (P < 0.001) and retinal pigment epithelium hypertrophy (P = 0.011) had significant association with visual status. In cases with sequelae of CSC, BCVA was correlated with parameters of outer retinal damage.

Conclusion: Besides the overall integrity of IS/OS line and the length of disruption, loss of foveal IS/OS and external limiting membrane integrity are also noteworthy in cases with CSC. Hyperreflective dots and retinal pigment epithelium hypertrophy are closely associated with BCVA in cases with CSC. Analysis of the subgroups has shown that morphologic changes that persist until the late phases of the disease could potentially affect the visual outcome.