AIM: To investigate the clinical effects of traditional Chinese medicine, Si Ling San, on acute central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC).

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 48 patients(48 eyes)with CSC, among whom 24 were given oral Si Ling San(as treatment group)and the other 24 did not receive any treatment(control group). The baseline and 1 or 3mo follow-up data for the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT)and maximum height of subretinal fluid(SRF)were collected and then compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: BCVA of the treatment group was not statistically different from the baseline level at 1mo(P>0.05), but it was significantly improved at 3mo(P<0.05). BCVA was better at 3mo than that at 1mo(P<0.05). In the control group, however, no significant improvement of BCVA was found at 1 or 3mo compared with baseline(both P>0.05). The BCVA of the two groups was not significantly different at baseline and 1 and 3mo follow-up(all P>0.05). In the treatment group CMT and SRF at 1 and 3mo were significantly lower than baseline(both P<0.05). CMT and SRF at 3mo were significantly lower than that at 1 month(both P<0.05). In the control group, CMT and SRF at 1mo were not different from baseline level(both P>0.05), while they were significantly decreased at 3mo follow-up(both P<0.05). CMT and SRF at 3mo were significantly lower than that at 1mo(both P<0.05). In addition, CMT and SRF of the treatment group at both 1 and 3mo were statistically lower than that of the control group(all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study preliminary suggest that oral Si Ling San has the potential to treat acute CSC. But further trials are warranted to study its role in improving the visual function, shortening the duration and reducing the recurrence of CSC.