The long-term results of one time treatment by continuously fractionated transpupillary thermotherapy for occult choroid neovascularization membrane of age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND

This study was to assess the long-term results of a novel continuously fractionated transpupillary thermotherapy (cfTTT) in treating occult choroid neovascularization membrane (CNV) of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

METHODS

After informed consent was obtained, 19 patients were treated with cfTTT in 21 eyes. The diode laser (810 nm) was applied with 6 continuous 9-second sessions to the neovascular membrane. Each session lasted 9 seconds. Every spot (1 mm on retina) was in close contact with each other to entirely cover the CNV.

RESULTS

The average age was 75.9 years (from 61 to 86 years). The mean follow-up time was 19.6 months (from 15 to 24 months). Five eyes (23.8%) had improved visual acuity by 2 or more lines, 6 eyes (28.5%) by 1 line, and 10 eyes (47.6%) had no change in visual acuity. None had decreased vision. In final fluorescein angiography, all eyes treated revealed decreased fluorescein leakage.

CONCLUSIONS

cfTTT shows no deleterious side effects in treating subfoveal or juxtafoveal CNV of ARMD at long-term follow-up and is at least as effective as long-pulse TTT.