Predilection of the macular region to high incidence of choroidal neovascularization after intense laser photocoagulation in the monkey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the key factors for creating a high incidence model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the monkey.


METHODS
Intense laser photocoagulation was performed in 8 eyes of 4 monkeys using krypton red and green-yellow and Alcon frequency-doubled diode ophthalmic lasers. Eight to 13 lesions were delivered to an area between the temporal vascular arcades in each eye. Development of CNV was monitored by fluorescein angiography at 2 and 4 weeks after laser treatment, and the results were correlated with histological analysis.


RESULTS
A much higher incidence of CNV occurred in the macular region, which refers to an anatomic area equivalent to a mean +/- SD 2.5 +/- 0.4 times the horizontal diameter of the optic disc in the fundus. Regardless of the type of ophthalmic laser used, 72% of lesions developed fluorescein leakage within the macula, compared with 12% outside the macula (P<.001). By histological analysis, 89% of lesions developed microscopic CNV within the macula vs 22% outside the macula (P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The macular region is predisposed to creation of laser-induced CNV in the monkey.Clinical Relevance The predilection of the macular region to a high incidence of laser-induced CNV may account for the high recurrence rate of subfoveal CNV after laser treatment in humans.
Department of Molecular Ophthalmology, Lions Eye Institute, and Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands.
Wei-Yong
WY
Shen
Shu Yen
SY
Lee
Ian
I
Yeo
Chooi-May
CM
Lai
Ranjana
R
Mathur
Donald
D
Tan
Ian J
IJ
Constable
P Elizabeth
PE
Rakoczy
D000818:Animals; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D015994:Incidence; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000473:pathology*; D012008:Recurrence