Effect of Melatonin Treatment in Patients With Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Purpose This study evaluated the efficacy of oral melatonin therapy for visual acuity and retinal and choroidal structures in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Methods Fourteen patients with CSCR were included; eight received oral melatonin (3 mg nightly), and six formed the control group. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were assessed at baseline and after one month. Results At baseline, both groups exhibited similar demographic and clinical characteristics. However, at the one-month follow-up, the treatment group showed significantly higher BCVA (p = 0.006) and a lower CVI (p = 0.01) compared with the control group. We also observed improvements in CMT and CCT in both groups, with a significant decrease in CVI noted in the treatment group (p = 0.01). Conclusion Oral melatonin therapy demonstrates promise in improving visual acuity and modulating choroidal vascular dynamics in patients with CSCR. The findings of this study suggest that melatonin is a safe and potentially effective treatment option for CSCR. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up durations are warranted to validate these results and optimize treatment protocols for CSCR management.