[Repeat laser coagulation of subretinal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration].
BACKGROUND
Retinal laser coagulation (LC) of extrafoveal subretinal neovascularization (SRN) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the only sure therapy. Diagnostics, therapy and follow-up are presented in a case report.


METHODS
A 55-year-old woman had suffered from progressive reduction of visual acuity (with metamorphopsia) in both eyes (LE > RE) for 3 years. In the RE the visual acuity was 0.32 and in the LE 0.05. Funduscopy and fluorescein angiography revealed in both eyes the wet form of AMD. The extrafovealy located SRN of the RE was photocoagulated and had to be retreated three-times in 6 weeks due to persistence. For 8 months the findings in the RE have been stable. VA has been improved to 0.4 and no metamorphopsia has been found.


CONCLUSIONS
Extrafoveal SRN should be treated by LC. Short-term follow-up (including FA) and in most cases several LCs are necessary to close the SRN and save the patients' reading vision.
Krott
R
R
Abteilung für Netzhaut- und Glaskörperchirurgie, Universitäts-Augenklinik Köln.
Rössler
G
G
Heimann
K
K
D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors