Transpupillary thermotherapy for idiopathic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for the management of idiopathic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV).


METHODS
This was a prospective, non-controlled, clinical case trial involving 21 eyes of 21 patients with a mean age of 36 years. All 21 eyes had idiopathic subfoveal CNV and were subjected to diode laser TTT. Laser beam size ranged from 1.2 mm to 3.0 mm and power settings ranged between 300 mW and 600 mW. The end-point was an area of no visible colour change. Pre- and post-laser evaluations of ETDRS visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography were carried out.


RESULTS
The nine predominantly occult and 12 predominantly classic subfoveal membranes were followed-up for a mean of 5.1 months after TTT. Overall, 17 eyes (81%) showed improvement or stabilization in ETDRS visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity improved in 17 eyes (81%). Reading speed improved in 15 eyes (71%). Retreatment was needed in three eyes (14%).


CONCLUSIONS
Transpupillary thermotherapy treatment is a potential strategy for treating idiopathic subfoveal CNV in both its classic and occult forms.
Kumar
Atul
A
Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. akum66mm@ndf.vsnl.net.in
Prakash
Gunjan
G
Singh
Rajindra P
RP
D000328:Adult; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005584:Fovea Centralis; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011680:Pupil; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology