Large-spot size transpupillary thermotherapy for the treatment of occult choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the outcome of patients with occult choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration treated with transpupillary thermotherapy.


METHODS
Prospective, nonrandomized, nonmasked case series.


METHODS
All patients with age-related macular degeneration with a predominantly occult choroidal neovascular membrane and an initial visual acuity of 20/400 or better were offered treatment using transpupillary thermotherapy. The treatment consisted of using a diode laser, a spot size of about 3000 to 6000 micro m delivered over 60 seconds, and a power of 600 to 1000 mW.


METHODS
A stable, improved, or worsened visual acuity and the need for additional treatment.


RESULTS
Sixty-nine patients were treated. All patients have been followed up for at least 6 months. At the 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up visits, 71% of patients have stable or improved visual acuity and 29% have lost 2 or more lines of visual acuity on the Snellen letter chart.


CONCLUSIONS
Large-spot size transpupillary thermotherapy is effective in stabilizing the visual acuity in those patients who have occult choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration.
Thach
Allen B
AB
Retinal Consultants of Arizona, Phoenix 85064, USA.
Sipperley
Jack O
JO
Dugel
Pravin U
PU
Sneed
Scott R
SR
Park
Donald W
DW
Cornelius
Jennifer
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D007834:Lasers; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011680:Pupil; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity