Risk factors for choroidal neovascularization and vision loss in the fellow eye study of CNVPT

To identify risk factors for the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and vision loss in the Fellow Eye Study of the Choroidal Neovascularization Prevention Trial.

Retrospective review of 121 patients enrolled in a multicentered, randomized, controlled trial. Patients had neovascular age-related macular degeneration in one eye and more than 10 large drusen in the other eye. Records of patients randomly assigned to laser treatment or observation were reviewed through 4 years of follow-up. Three candidate risk factors for the development of CNV and vision loss were evaluated.

Eyes with hyperfluorescent drusen on fluorescein angiography at 3 minutes appeared to have a decreased risk of CNV. Patchy choroidal filling was seen in 14% of patients. Eyes with patchy choroidal perfusion showed a higher risk of developing CNV that was not statistically significant, and the increased risk was present only in treated eyes. Reticular pseudodrusen were present in only three eyes.

Reticular pseudodrusen were rare. Late drusen fluorescence may protect against the development of CNV.