Results of laser treatment for sub-retinal neovascular membranes

A retrospective study was carried out to determine the results of laser treatment for choroidal neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration in 92 patients in whom fluorescein angiography was performed for this condition over a 7-year period. Twenty-nine of these patients, treated with the argon laser, were followed up regularly for 15 months. The treatment comprised overlapping laser spots of 200 microns and an average power of 390 mW. The results of this study demonstrated that: (i) the majority of membranes were closer than 500 microns from the foveola; (ii) the second eye involvement rate in the same patient was 15,79% over 15 months; and (iii) a 37,5% significant visual loss or 41% two lines or greater visual loss was seen after 15 months, which compares favourably with results of laser treatment reported by other institutions.