[Status of TTT in the therapy for CNV]

Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are recent treatment options for choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). In PDT a photochemical reaction is induced by the injection of a photosensitising substance. In contrast to this, TTT is a non-invasive photothermal treatment option for CNV and choroidal tumours. It leads to a low-grade-hyperthermia with consecutive induction of metabolic processes and production of heat-shock proteins in order to restore cellular homeostasis. Classical laser coagulation as recommended by the Macular Photocoagulation Study Group produces a photocoagulative effect with significant tissue hyperthermia and prompt visual loss. For classic CNV, PDT represents an established therapy option. Positive results of the treatment of occult CNV by PDT have enlarged the use of PDT to this kind of CNV. TTT represents an economic therapy modality for (mainly) occult CNV. The effect for visual outcome varies in different studies. The results are shown in a .