[New method of atherosclerotic macular dystrophies treatment]

The authors analyze the results of treating atherosclerotic maculodystrophies by direct laser phoresis. The method consists in insertion of a collagen infusion system in Tenon's space. Drugs (nicotinic acid or xanthinol nicotinate) are delivered to the posterior compartment of the eye through this system. Then a light guide is inserted in the tube and a 2-min session of low-intensity He-Ne laser exposure is performed at a wavelength of 630 nm, and 10 mWt/cm2 flow power density (7 to 10 sessions per course). Clinical studies showed that vision acuity increased by an average of 0.08 diopters, or by 40% of the initial level, in 72% of cases. The peripheral visual field extended by an average of 51.4 degrees for 8 meridians in 95% of patients. The index of critical frequency of flashings fusing and the frequency-contrast characteristics improved in 85% of cases. The rheography improved by 34.5% of the initial level. A stable improvement was observed for 12 months after a course of direct laser phoresis in 97.5% of patients. Hence, the new method is simple and recommended for the treatment of atherosclerotic maculodystrophies.