Laser treatment of age-related maculopathy (AMD) with subretinal neovascularization (SRN)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of visual loss in the Western world. In 80-90% it is the result of the exudative type of AMD with subretinal neovascularization (SRN). As soon as SRN is suspected, fluorescein angiography must be performed without delay. When the neovascular membrane is well-defined, sparing the subfoveolar area--a situation observed in only a small portion of the patients--then green argon or red krypton laser treatment is indicated, the only therapy currently available. The 3-year success rate is about 50% owing to the recurrence of SRN, an as yet unsolved problem. The prognosis also depends on the intensity of the lesions of non-exudative macular degeneration. Statistical evaluation shows that in most patients the main effect of photocoagulation is only to postpone the loss of central vision.