Long term results after transpupillary thermotherapy in eyes with occult choroidal neovascularisation associated with age related macular degeneration: a prospective trial

• Published in: British journal of ophthalmology Vol. 90; no. 2; pp. 158 - 161
• Main Authors: Stolba, U, Krebs, I, Lamar, P D, Aggermann, T, Gruber, D, Binder, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JR BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.02.2006; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Group
• Subjects: age related macular degeneration; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; AMD; Angiography - methods; Choroid - blood supply; Choroid - diagnostic imaging; choroidal neovascularisation; Choroidal Neovascularization - complications; Choroidal Neovascularization - physiopathology; Choroidal Neovascularization - therapy; Clinical Science - Extended Report; CNV; Contrast Sensitivity - physiology; Diabetic retinopathy; Female; Humans; Hyperthermia, Induced - methods; Lasers; Letters; long term results; Macular degeneration; Macular Degeneration - complications; Macular Degeneration - physiopathology; Macular Degeneration - therapy; Male; Middle Aged; occult choroidal neovascularisation; Occult sciences; PDT; photodynamic therapy; Prospective Studies; Random variables; Reading; Regression Analysis; Statistical analysis; Studies; transpupillary thermotherapy; Tretoquinol; TTT; Visual Acuity - physiology
• ISSN: 0007-1161; 1468-2079
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2005.076422

Aim: To evaluate long term results after transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in eyes with exudative age related macular degeneration. Methods: In a prospective clinical study eyes with occult or predominantly occult choroidal neovascularisation and no pretreatment were scheduled to have a TTT with a power of 630 mW. Visual acuity for far and near distances as well as contrast sensitivity were evaluated 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively and statistically analysed. Results: 47 eyes fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Overall, 70% of the patients showed an improved (14%) or had unchanged (56%) ETDRS vision after 24 months. Reading vision was stabilised (51%) or better (5%) in 56% of the eyes at this time. However, the increasing number of eyes with severe deterioration resulted in a significant decrease of both parameters over time (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Contrast sensitivity could be maintained (70%) or improved (9%) in 79%. Statistical analyses indicated a trend but no significant decrease over time (p = 0.056). Conclusion: Although in the majority of patients far and near distance acuity could be stabilised on average a significant decrease over time after TTT was observed. Statistical comparison of months 12 and 24 showed no further deterioration.