AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with half-dose verteporfin for treating acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: Twelve eyes of 12 patients diagnosed with acute CSC from Apr.2009 to Sep.2009 received one single session of PDT using half-dose (3mg/m2) verteporfin. All eyes were imaged by three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (3D-OCT) before and 1 week, 4,12 weeks and 3 months after PDT to observe the resolution of subretinal fluid(SRF). fundus fluorenscense angiography(FFA), indocyanine green angiography(ICG), and fundus autofluorescence(FAF) were applied to measure the visual acuity(VA) and angiographic changes before and 4, 12 weeks after PDT to evaluate the reliability and effectiveness of PDT. RESULTS: Before PDT, 12 eyes presented serous neuroepithelial detachment in 3D-OCT image, showed indbot diffusion or smokestack phenomenon in FFA,and revealed dilated and tortuous choroidal vessels with diffuse hyperpermeability in ICG pictures.After one week, 3D-OCT showed that SRF was absorbed in 6 eyes. Four weeks after PDT, 9 eyes had complete resolution of SRF; 7 eyes showed a complete absence, and 3 eyes reduction of fluorescein leakage in FFA; the calibers of originally dilated and tortuous choroidal vessels appeared normal in 9 eyes and narrower in 3 eyes as shown in ICG; abnormal autofluorescence had almost resolved in all eyes. Twelve weeks after PDT, 11 eyes had complete resolution of SRF, only one eye unchanged; all eyes showed absence of fluorescein leakage in angiographic graphs and dots of hypoautofluorescence with uniform size and fluorescent intensity in the leak site. The mean VA improved from 0.43 to 0.8, with 2 eyes unchanged. None of the patients developed any systemic adverse event associated with the operation in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: PDT with half-dose verteporfin is effective and safe in treating acute CSC.