Transpupillary thermotherapy in subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane secondary to age-related macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To report our initial experience in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane, secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT).


METHODS
Fifty consecutive patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to AMD, were included in the study. The parameters assessed before the TTT were visual acuity by ETDRS chart, scotoma score by Amsler grid chart, reading speed, fundus examination by direct and indirect ophthalmoscope as well as +90 Diopter lens followed by digital fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (FA).


RESULTS
The letter visual acuity improved or stabilized in 72% cases up to 12 weeks after TTT. Mean scotoma score decreased from a mean of 47.56, to 43.56 at 6 weeks and to 37 at 12 weeks. Mean reading speed increased from 27.04 words/minute at pretreatment to 34.52 words/minute at 6 weeks and 37.33 words/minute 12 weeks after TTT.


CONCLUSIONS
TTT is not only a cheaper alternative to photodynamic therapy (PDT), but also is an efficacious tool in stabilisation or improvement of visual acuity in the management of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane due to AMD.
Verma
Lalit
L
Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. lalitverma@yahoo.com
Tewari
Hem K
HK
Nainiwal
Sanjeev
S
Ravindranathan
Jayaram
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity