Treatment of pigment epithelial detachments due to age-related macular degeneration with intra-ocular C3F8 injection.
OBJECTIVE
To flatten pigment epithelial detachments (PED) due to age-related macular degeneration in an attempt to visualize the underlying choroidal neovascularization by fluorescein angiography (FA) and reveal a treatment target.


METHODS
Nine patients with PED received intravitreal gas injections via the pars plana and postured face down. Fluorescein angiograms were obtained before and after gas injection. In two patients, retinal scotopic sensitivity was also measured.


RESULTS
Eight patients demonstrated change in the shape and size of the PED following gas injection. Four patients showed a better delineation of underlying structures on FA. Three patients had focal laser treatment to the newly visible choroidal neovascular complex, but this was successful in only one patient with flattening of the PED.


CONCLUSIONS
Pigment epithelial detachments can be modified by intravitreal gas injection in some patients, but this treatment did not have a major impact on overall outcome or management.
Gross-Jendroska
M
M
Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Institute of Ophthalmology, London, England.
Flaxel
C J
CJ
Schwartz
S D
SD
Holz
F G
FG
Fitzke
F W
FW
Gabel
V P
VP
Bird
A C
AC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D003623:Dark Adaptation; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011187:Posture; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014822:Vitreous Body
D005466:Fluorocarbons; C042852:perflutren