[Transpupillary thermotherapy in occult subretinal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. Preliminary results].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) to treat choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).


METHODS
Eight patients (ten eyes) with occult CNV were treated by TTT. A 810 nm diode laser was used to perform TTT. The diode laser was delivered through a panfunduscopic contact lens.


RESULTS
Three eyes showed a visual acuity improvement and a decrease in exudation on fluorescein angiography. Four eyes remained stable. Nevertheless, lesions worsened after treatment in three cases. One of these cases suffered an overtreatment.


CONCLUSIONS
TTT may be a useful therapy in some cases of CNV in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Randomized and multicentric studies are necessary to stablish precise indications of this therapy.
Salinas Alamán
A
A
Departamento de Oftalmología, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España. asalinas@unav.es
García Layana
A
A
Juberías Sánchez
J R
JR
Sánchez Tocino
H
H
Sádaba Echarri
L M
LM
Moreno Montañés
J
J
D000368:Aged; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000628:therapy*; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity