SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article
Front. Med.
Sec. Ophthalmology
Efficacy and Safety of Subthreshold Micropulse Laser for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Provisionally accepted
Wei Luo*
Yongning He- Nanjing Aier Eye Hospital, Nanjing, China
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Abstract Background: Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) can lead to irreversible visual impairment. Traditional treatment methods are limited by their efficacy and the risk of complications. Subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option. Objective: This study systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of SML for treating cCSC, providing evidence-based clinical recommendations. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies published up to January 10, 2025, evaluating SML for cCSC. Eligible designs included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective cohort studies, and case series. Two researchers independently performed literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment using RoB 2, NOS, and JBI tools, respectively. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE system. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 18.0 to pool the effects on visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal morphology (CMT, CT, CRT). Subgroup analyses were performed based on laser wavelengths (527nm, 532nm, 577nm, and 810nm). Results: A total of 1,412 articles were identified, and 22 studies were included, with a total sample size of 939 eyes. Meta-analysis demonstrated that SML significantly improved the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of cCSC patients, with a pooled effect size of [SMD =-0.74, 95% CI (-1.14, -0.33), P = 0.001]. The efficacy was consistent across different wavelengths (527nm, 532 nm, 577 nm, 810 nm). Regarding retinal morphological parameters, SML significantly reduced the central macular thickness [CMT, SMD = -2.15; 95% CI (-3.82, -0.47), P = 0.018], choroidal thickness [CT, SMD = -0.43; 95% CI (-0.79, -0.08), P = 0.025], and central retinal thickness [CRT, SMD = -1.12; 95% CI (-1.34, -0.90), P = 0.001]. Although improvements in subretinal fluid height (SRFH) were not statistical significance, most studies indicated a positive trend. Additionally, SML demonstrated a high safety profile for treating cCSC. Conclusion: SML significantly improves visual function and retinal morphology in cCSC patients, demonstrating consistent efficacy across different wavelengths and providing a safe, effective treatment option for cCSC.
Keywords: Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, efficacy, Meta-analysis, Safety, Subthreshold micropulse laser therapy
Received: 12 Jan 2026; Accepted: 12 Feb 2026.
Copyright: © 2026 Luo and He. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Wei Luo
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