[Transpupillary thermotherapy in age-related macular degeneration. Preliminary results]

To evaluate anatomical and functional results of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) with a chorioid neovascular membrane (CNVM).

TTT was performed by means of a diode laser (Iris Medical Oculight Six) in 38 eyes of 35 patients aged 46-93 years, mean 70.6 years. Ocult CNVM was treated in 34 eyes, classical CNVM in 4 eyes. In TTT we applied 1 to 5 points (on average 1.9 spot) and used a laser beam with a diameter of 0.5-3 mm (mean width 1.61 mm). In 10 eyes with occult CNVM (29%) TTT was repeated after 1-6 months. The patients were followed up after TTT for 6-18 months on average for 9.5 months.

The final visual acuity (VA) improved after TTT in two eyes (5.3%), remained unchanged in 22 eyes (57.9%) and deteriorated in 14 eyes (36.8%). The mean VA after TTT declined from 0.23 to 0.17. Biomicroscopic manifestations of exudation disappeared or receded in 29 eyes with occult CNVM (85.3%) and in 3 eyes with classical CNVM (75%). Fluoroangiographic examination revealed a reduced or absent extravasation of the dye in 24 eyes with occult CNVM (70.5%) and in 3 eyes with classical CNVM (75%). Optic coherent tomography confirmed regression of exudative changes and the development of a chorioretinal scar in 23 eyes with occult CNVM (67.6%) and 3 eyes with classical CNVM (75%).

TTT is a new potential therapy of ACMD with CNVM. It is indicated in particular in occult CNVM. It can be however used also in classical CNVM. TTT is not economically pretentious and can be used also in other than large clinical departments. It is important to test the possibilities and limitations of TTT on a large number of patients and assess its position among other therapeutic procedures.