RecruitingPhase IIIInterventional

A study of photodynamic therapy for long-lasting central serous chorioretinopathy

This study, called PAINT, is looking into photodynamic therapy (PDT) for a long-term eye condition called central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). CSCR causes fluid to build up under the retina, which can blur your vision. While it often gets better on its own, for some, it lasts for a long time and can lead to permanent vision changes. There isn't a proven treatment for this long-lasting form. PDT uses a special drug and laser to target problem areas in the eye. This study will compare PDT with a dummy treatment (placebo) to see if PDT works better at improving vision and reducing fluid in the eye. Around 140 people with long-lasting CSCR will take part across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase III

Sponsor

University of Bristol - Bristol Trials Centre

Enrolment target

140

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR)

What is this study about?

The PAINT study is exploring a treatment for an eye condition called central serous chorioretinopathy, or CSCR. In CSCR, fluid gathers underneath the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. This fluid can make your vision blurry or distorted. While many people find that the fluid goes away by itself over time, some experience it for months or even years, which can sadly lead to lasting vision problems. Currently, there isn't a widely proven treatment for this long-lasting type of CSCR.

This study focuses on a treatment called photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a laser-based treatment that uses a special drug called verteporfin. This drug helps to target and treat the affected areas in your eye when activated by the laser. Although some NHS hospitals already use PDT for CSCR, we still need more clear evidence from scientific studies to fully understand how well it works and how safe it is. That's why the PAINT trial is so important.

The main goal of the PAINT study is to compare PDT using verteporfin with a 'dummy' treatment, known as a placebo. The placebo treatment involves the same laser procedure as PDT, but without the active drug. By doing this comparison, the study aims to find out if PDT is more effective than the dummy treatment at improving vision and reducing the fluid under the retina for people living with long-lasting CSCR. The results of this important research will help doctors make better decisions about treatment for CSCR in the future.

Key takeaways

The PAINT study is exploring a laser treatment (PDT) for long-lasting blurry vision from CSCR.
It compares PDT to a dummy treatment (placebo) to see if it helps improve vision and reduce fluid.
The study lasts 12 months and involves clinic visits, eye scans, and vision tests.
Potential risks include temporary light sensitivity and blurred vision after treatment.
Patient feedback has helped shape the study to make sure it's practical and acceptable.
The results will help doctors decide on the best treatments for CSCR in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to join the study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have blurred or distorted vision due to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) that has lasted for more than 4 months. Doctors will check your eye with special scans to confirm this and make sure your vision is less than a certain level.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you are allergic to certain dyes or medications used in eye tests or treatments, or if you have certain other serious health conditions like severe liver or kidney problems. You also can't be taking certain other medications that might interfere with the study treatment. The doctors will also need to check that there isn't another eye condition that might be causing your vision problems, like certain abnormal blood vessel growths behind your retina.

If you are a woman who could become pregnant, you would need to have a negative pregnancy test and agree to use effective contraception during the study. If you are breastfeeding, you would not be able to participate. It's important to discuss all your health conditions and medications with the study team to see if you can join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you had blurry or distorted vision from CSCR for more than 4 months?
Are you able to provide written permission (consent) to take part?
If you are a woman able to get pregnant, are you willing to use effective birth control?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the PAINT study, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups: one receiving the PDT treatment or one receiving the dummy treatment (placebo). This is like flipping a coin, so neither you nor the doctors can choose which group you're in. You'll be looked after for 12 months in total.

During this year, you'll have several clinic visits. These visits will involve various eye scans and vision tests, along with filling out some questionnaires about your experiences. Some participants might be offered another treatment if their eye condition doesn't get better. At one point, you might also be asked to give a small blood sample. This is completely optional and helps researchers look for genetic factors that might affect how people respond to treatment. The clinic visits will be scheduled flexibly, and you'll be able to claim back any travel expenses.

Potential risks and benefits

While we cannot talk about specific benefits in detail here as they are not yet fully known, participants might experience improvements in their vision or a reduction in fluid in their eye. There are, however, some potential risks and inconveniences involved. For example, you might become sensitive to light for up to 48 hours after treatment, so you'd need to avoid direct sunlight. Some people might also have temporary blurred vision or discomfort from the drip used for the treatment. The eye scans and visits can be time-consuming, and some people might feel anxious. All these risks have been carefully considered and discussed with people who have experienced CSCR and PDT. They felt the risks were acceptable given the potential for new knowledge. Remember, taking part in the study is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (13)

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
City only
Belfast, England
Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital
Approximate
Blackburn, England
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bristol, England
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Colchester, England
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Camberley, England
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Cheltenham, England
Kings College Hospital
Approximate
London, England
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Liverpool, England
The Retina Clinic
City only
London, England
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, England
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
London, England
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Oxford, England

Common questions

What is central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR)?

It's an eye condition where fluid builds up under the retina, which can make your vision blurry or distorted.

What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)?

PDT is a laser treatment that uses a special drug to target problem areas in the eye.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or the dummy treatment?

No, you won't know, as you'll be randomly assigned to either the PDT or the dummy (placebo) group to ensure fair testing of the treatment.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You will be looked after for 12 months, with several clinic visits during this time.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, taking part is voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your future medical care.

How to find out more

Andrew Lotery

paint-trial@bristol.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.