[Transpupillary thermotherapy in exudative, age-related macular degeneration].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of a single transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in patients with exudative, age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


METHODS
In a prospective pilot study, 14 patients with a mean age of 78 years (range: 70-92 years) with subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) due to exudative, age-related macular degeneration were treated with a single TTT using a diode laser (810 nm). Seven patients had a classic and seven an occult CNV. Laser beam size was 4.5 mm,the power setting was 800 mW and the exposure lasted 60 s.


RESULTS
Twelve out of 14 patients could be followed for a period of 18 months. Stabilisation of the visual acuity was achieved in two patients, ten patients lost three or more Snellen lines. In none of the patients a regression of the CNV could be observed immediately after TTT. Inactive fibrotic scars developed in six patients at the end of the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that TTT, according to our protocol, has no beneficial effect on the spontaneous course of the CNV in patients with AMD.
Haas
A
A
Universitätsaugenklinik, Graz. anton.haas@kfunigraz.ac.at
Feigl
B
B
Weger
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011680:Pupil; D013997:Time Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity