PAINT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Photodynamic laser therapy with verteporfin versus Placebo for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: the Paint RCT
IRAS ID
1012257
Contact name
Andrew Lotery
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is an eye condition where fluid builds up under the retina, causing blurred or distorted vision. In many cases, the fluid clears up on its own, but in some people it persists for months or years, leading to permanent vision loss. There is currently no proven treatment for chronic CSCR.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a laser treatment that uses a drug called verteporfin to target abnormal areas in the eye. Although PDT is used in some NHS hospitals to treat CSCR, there is limited evidence from clinical trials to show how effective or safe it is.
The PAINT trial will compare PDT using verteporfin with a placebo (dummy) treatment in people with chronic CSCR. The placebo involves the same laser procedure but without the active drug. The study will help determine whether PDT improves vision and reduces fluid under the retina better than placebo.
Around 140 participants will be recruited from at least 13 hospitals and clinics across the UK. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either PDT or placebo and followed for 12 months. They will attend clinic visits for eye scans, vision tests, and questionnaires. Some participants may be offered repeat treatment if their condition does not improve. A small blood sample may be collected to explore genetic factors that affect treatment response.
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and managed by the Bristol Trials Centre. It has been designed with input from patients who have experience of CSCR and PDT. Their feedback helped ensure the study is acceptable and practical for participants.
The results will help guide future treatment decisions and may lead to better care for people with chronic CSCR.REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0079
Date of REC Opinion
3 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion