ASRS 2026: Microsecond green laser shows efficacy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy

Microsecond green laser (520 nm; Norlase) improved visual acuity and reduced macular thickness in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), according to a retrospective case series that Jhon Zans, MD, presented at the 2026 annual meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) in Montréal, Québec, Canada.

What did the case series find?

Zans reviewed 15 eyes with chronic CSCR treated with the Norlase laser in its microsecond mode at a 5% duty cycle (400 mW, 200 ms duration, 100 ms pulse intervals, and a spot size of 100) with a Volk transequator contact lens, across a 12-week follow-up period. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.27 logMAR (Snellen approximately 20/40) before treatment to 0.05 logMAR (approximately 20/20 to 20/25) 4 weeks after treatment (P <.001). Mean macular thickness on OCT fell from 380 µm to 225 µm—a 59% reduction—over the same interval (P <.001). "All patients have improved their visual acuity after four weeks of laser treatment," Zans told Modern Retina, adding that macular thickness decreased with no subretinal fluid or leakage after treatment.

Where does microsecond laser fit in chronic CSCR care?

Zans described microsecond laser as an effective, reliable, and portable option for chronic CSCR—a disease he said lacks treatment consensus because it presents in varied forms, including acute, chronic, and recurrent disease and cases complicated by membrane. He said the technology should be one option clinicians can use and carry across settings.

Zans plans to broaden the work to include eyes that respond poorly to other lasers or to other treatments such as intraocular injections. He said he prefers microsecond laser for macular disease such as CSCR because he has found it effective and reliable.

Reference
1. Zans J. Microsecond green laser (520 nm) is effective to treat chronic CSCR. Presented at: 44th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS); July 15-18, 2026; Montréal, Québec, Canada.