Abstract

SALINAS ALAMAN, A et al. Transpupillary thermotherapy in occult subretinal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration: Preliminary results. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol [online]. 2002, vol.77, n.11, pp.617-621. ISSN 0365-6691.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) to treat choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Patients and Methods: Eight patients (ten eyes) with occult CNV were treated by TTT. A 810 nm diode laser was used to perform TTT. The diode laser was delivered through a panfunduscopic contact lens. Results: Three eyes showed a visual acuity improvement and a decrease in exudation on fluorescein angiography. Four eyes remained stable. Nevertheless, lesions worsened after treatment in three cases. One of these cases suffered an overtreatment. Conclusions: TTT may be a useful therapy in some cases of CNV in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Randomized and multicentric studies are necessary to stablish precise indications of this therapy.

Keywords : Transpupillary thermotherapy; choroidal neovascularization; age-related macular degeneration.