Efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in the treatment of occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in the treatment of occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective review of patients with ARMD treated with TTT from June, 1999 through July, 2000 at a retina referral practice. TTT was delivered through a slit-lamp using a modified diode laser at 810 nm wavelength and a spot size of 3 mm delivered at one location for a minimum of 60 seconds duration. Re-treatment was performed at 2-month intervals if indicated.


RESULTS
81 eyes of 77 patients were included in the study. Vision improved greater than one line Snellen in 18 eyes (22%), vision was stable within one line Snellen in 38 (47%), and worsened greater than one line Snellen in 25 (31%). Patients had a mean follow-up of 9 months. The average number of treatments was 1.37 (range 1 to 4). Pretreatment vision was less than or equal to 20/200 in 54% of eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Transpupillary thermotherapy may stabilize visual acuity in a majority of patients with occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to ARMD. Proof of therapeutic benefit is best determined by a randomized clinical trial that is currently underway (TTT4CNV).
Ahuja
R M
RM
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Benner
J D
JD
Schwartz
J C
JC
Butler
J W
JW
Steidl
S M
SM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005584:Fovea Centralis; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011680:Pupil; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology