[Results of perifoveal argon laser coagulation of subfoveal choroid neovascularization in age related macular degeneration].
BACKGROUND
The treatment of patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane in age-related macular degeneration is unsatisfactory because only a limited number of patients are eligible. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate a new perifoveal treatment technique in patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane.


METHODS
Between April 1992 and January 1994, 385 patients underwent clinical examination and fluorescein angiography. Eligibility criteria were met by 21 (5.5%) patients (22 eyes): well or poorly defined subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane (< or = 3.5 disc diameters), without fibrosis, with visual acuity < or = 0.25. Visual acuity, morphological findings and complications were studied. The follow-up period was 12-32 months.


RESULTS
The visual acuity before laser treatment ranged from counting fingers up to 0.25 (median 0.06). At the end of the follow-up (median 18 months) 28% (6/21) of patients showed a better visual acuity, whereas 44% (9/21) were unchanged and 28% (6/21) had deteriorated compared to visual acuity before treatment. In 71% (15/21) of eyes, resolution of the choroidal neovascular membrane was achieved with development of an atrophic laser scar.


CONCLUSIONS
The visual outcome and the morphological findings after perifoveal laser treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane in age-related macular degeneration show it to be an alternative method of treatment with favourable results. Due to inclusion criteria it is suitable only for a limited number of patients.
Spraul
C W
CW
Universitäts-Augenklinik Ulm.
Lang
G E
GE
Lang
G K
GK
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002829:Choroid / Q000473:pathology; D015862:Choroid Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D018630:Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
Ergebnisse nach perifovealer Argonlaserkoagulation von subfovealen choroidalen Neovaskularisationen bei altersbedingter Makuladegeneration.