[Do scars grow despite successful laser coagulation of subretinal neovascularization?]

After successful laser coagulation of subretinal neovascularization, we examined 9 patients to see if laser scar growth (which can be expected according to the literature) is accompanied by an increase in associated scotoma. We used a specially designed visual field program. Laser scars had grown by 23% 107 days after therapy and by 32% after 409 days. The changes in our patients were at the lower range of the data reported in the literature. The increase in the laser scar was statistically significant in just one patient. Mean sensitivity and two further parameters for describing visual fields, which we introduced, all hinted at an improvement in the central visual field, although the laser scars had grown. The mean sensitivity increased by 4.9% and 7.5% after 107 and 409 days, respectively.