Argon Laser Photocoagulation in the Therapy ofWet Form of Age-related MacularDegeneration

Overview

The authors evaluate the results of argon laser therapy of extrafoveal and juxtafovealsubretinal neovascular membranes in the wet form of age-related maculardegeneration. Their experience is evaluated in the group of 24 eyes of 23 patientsduring the period of observation lasting from 6 to 42 months. It became obviousthat in the group of 24 eyes with extrafoveal and juxtafoveal subretinal neovascularmembrane the laser photocoagulation cured up the condition in 17eyes (71 %),whereas the therapy failed in 7 eyes (29 %). Vision improved in 7 eyes (29 %),retained stabilized in 10 eyes (42 %), but deteriorated in 7 eyes (29 %). Among 11eyes with extrafoveal subretinal neovascular membrane the authors reachedimprovement in 10 eyes (90.9 %), the therapy failed with one eye (9.1%), the visionimproved in 6 eyes (55 %), remained stabilized in 4 eyes (36%), but deteriorated inone eye (9 %). In 13 eyes with juxtafoveal subretinal neovascularmembrane 7 eyeswere cured up (54 %), the therapy failed in 6 eyes (46 %), vision improved in oneeye (8 %), remained stabilized in 6 eyes (46 %), but deteriorated in 6 eyes (46 %).Based on the results obtained it has become obvious that laser photocoagulationis a useful method for the therapy of extrafoveal and juxtafoveal subretinalnaovascular membranes in the age-related macular degeneration. Better prognosishas been shown in the extrafoveal subretinal neovascular membrane.

Key words:
argon laser, age-related macular degeneration