[Krypton laser photocoagulation at low power setting for age-related macular degeneration complicated with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of krypton laser photocoagulation for treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) complicated with mainly subfoveal classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).


METHODS
Seventeen eyes of 17 cases, aged 50 - 74 years (averaged 60.8 years) with mainly subfoveal classic choroidal neovascularization were treated with krypton laser at lower power setting. The treatment was completed in one session. Another course of treatment was given 4 weeks later if there was active leakage demonstrated at the CNV area. Visual acuity, anterior segment and fundus examination, perimetry test, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed before and after treatment. The follow-up period was 3.5 years on average (1 - 8 years).


RESULTS
There was no immediately decrease of visual acuity after treatment. All treated eyes showed absorption of hemorrhages and/or exudates and diminished leakages. Visual acuity was stable in 8 eyes; improved in 6 eyes (>/= 2 lines), and decreased in 3 eyes (</= 2 lines). The central scotoma showed no significant changes after the treatment. Closure of CNV was confirmed on FFA/ICGA and no recurrence was found in 9 cases during 3 years follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Krypton laser photocoagulation at low power setting is an effective treatment for AMD with mainly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.
Zhang
Cheng-fen
CF
Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Eye Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China. zhangchengfen@yahoo.com.cn
Jia
Yan
Y
Li
Zhi-qing
ZQ
Du
Hong
H
Han
Bao-ling
BL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007726:Krypton; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014792:Visual Acuity
D007726:Krypton