Management of radiation maculopathy.
Radiation maculopathy is a delayed onset complication of radiation exposure. Various host and radiation parameters determine the risk of developing radiation maculopathy, which may be progressive. Total radiation dose delivered to the macula is the most important modifiable factor. Radiation maculopathy is not a singular entity as clinical manifestations reflect combined effects of all damaged tissues. Current treatment using anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents offers only a short-term, temporary, and modest visual improvement. Avoidance or prevention of radiation maculopathy may be the best option. Use of periocular steroid during plaque brachytherapy may prevent radiation maculopathy over the short term. Newer designs and techniques of delivering radiation to the eye need to be explored.
Department of Ophthalmic Oncology, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. singha@ccf.org
Arun D
AD
Singh
Sheila
S
Pabon
Mary E
ME
Aronow
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008545:Melanoma / Q000532:radiotherapy; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012160:Retina / Q000528:radiation effects*; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A