[Course of epithelial scars after surgical removal of small-size subfoveal neovessels]

We analyzed outcomes of 18 subfoveal neovascular membrane scars after surgery removal in age related macular degeneration. Surface and aspect of pigment epithelial defects were evaluated on angiographic data.

We differentiated glial scars and atrophic scars, the most numerous. Scar surfaces were larger compared to the initial preoperative lesions. Central epithelial pigments in scars disappeared in the three months following surgery. After on year, scar surfaces moderately enlarged.

Ideal approach for retinotomy as well as clinical aspects have to be well evaluated in subfoveal neovascular surgical removal. The angiographic mask effect of the avascular ring surrounding the neovessel is sometime detectable; the approximative scar surface is by this fact more predictable.

Iatrogenic damages of surgery and postoperative inflammatory lesions must be considered before when a surgical removal of neovascular membranes is suggested.