[Evaluation of functional and anatomical changes in the macula after surgery for retro-foveal neovascularization of membranes in age-related macular degeneration].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the direct effect of surgical treatment of subfoveolar neovascular membranes in age related macular degeneration to macular functions.


METHODS
Thirteen eyes of 13 patients were included in this study. Macular function was assayed by visual acuity and central visual field using the Octopus perimeter before surgery and in the first three post operative months. Pre and post operative fluorescein angiography frames were digitalized and the size of each lesions were compared.


RESULTS
After a 3 months follow up, visual acuity remained stable or improved in 66% of the patients. However, visual acuity was better than 0.1 in 15% of the patients. Central visual field comparison disclosed a significant worsening of the retinal sensitivity in the 3 degree field surrounding the central point. On fluorescein frames, submacular scar was 141% of the size of the neovascular membrane. After a mean follow up of 6.9 months (range 3-14), one case of recurrence occurred. A cataract was observed in 85% of the phakic patients followed for more than six months.


CONCLUSIONS
After a short term follow up, surgery can stabilise visual acuity, even though it remains poor. A worsening of the scotoma in the 3 degrees surrounding the central point is observed. However, patients noticed a subjective visual improvement in 62% of the case.
Chauvaud
D
D
Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôtel Dieu de Paris, 1, place du Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris.
Le Rouic
J F
JF
Behar-Cohen
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001284:Atrophy; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity; D058609:Visual Field Tests; D014794:Visual Fields