Subretinal Neovascularization Following Argon Laser Photocoagulation Treatment for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

The diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy is usually confirmed by the fluorescein angiographic finding of one or more pinpoint pigment epithelial leaks in or near a macula with a detached sensory retina. When argon laser photocoagulation is used to treat pigment epithelial leaks, resolution of the leaks occurs with reattachment of the sensory retina. We have seen six patients for whom a diagnosis of central serous chorioretinopathy was made; argon laser photocoagulation was carried out and subsequently followed by postoperative subretinal neovascularization often accompanied by hemorrhage, exudate and, in some cases, progressive reduction in visual acuity. Since the presentation of this paper to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology in 1975, we have received photographs and case reports of 21 additional patients. This paper discusses these 27 cases and demonstrates the causes of the postoperative development of subretinal neovascularization