Abstract
Laser photocoagulation treatment of occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age related macular degeneration has been up to now discouraging. We report a randomized clinical trial comparing ‘grid’ laser treatment versus the natural course in 24 eyes with this kind of neovascularization. In 12 eyes a low energy scatter photocoagulation was applied to the areas of presumed CNV and abnormal retinal pigment epithelium, sparing the fovea. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 3 years. At the three months follow-up visit, the subretinal exudation appeared reduced in 40% of the treated eyes and in none of the control eyes. During the period of follow-up the occult CNV turned to classic CNV in 4 treated and in 4 untreated eyes. At the last examination (average follow-up 18 months), anatomical and functional conditions were not significantly different in the two groups. Our data fail to show a beneficial long-term effect of grid laser treatment for occult CNV; no iatrogenic complications were seen in our series.
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Piccolino, F.C., Ghiglione, D. & Allegri, P. Grid laser treatment of occult choroidal neovascularization in age related macular degeneration. Int Ophthalmol 17, 77–83 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00942779
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00942779