Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (Jan 2003)

Transpupillary Thermotherapy for Treatment of Choroidal Neovascularisation Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Indian Eyes

  • Nagpal Manish,
  • Nagpal Kamal,
  • Sharma Shobhana,
  • Puri Jyoti,
  • Nagpal Pran

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 51, no. 3
pp. 243 – 250

Abstract

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Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and to define accurate power settings for this procedure in Indian eyes. Methods: A prospective, nonrandomised study of 160 eyes of 144 patients with subfoveal CNV. The laser settings included 2mm spot and 300mw power or 3mm spot and 400-600mw power. Two separate 3mm spots were used in larger lesions. The treatment was given for 60 seconds at each point. Results: Ninety-nine eyes had classic membranes and 61 eyes had occult membranes. Following treatment, 79 of 99 (79.8%) classic and 52 of 61 (85%) occult membranes regressed. Visual improvement (ž 2 lines) was seen in 29 (29.3%) eyes and 12 (19.6%) eyes ; visual stabilisation (1 line) in 39 (39.4%) eyes, and 35 (57.4%) eyes; and reduction of vision (- 2 lines) in 31 (31.3%) eyes and 14 (22.9%) eyes with classic and occult membranes respectively. Mean follow-up was 12 months. One patient suffered inadvertant foveal burn. Conclusion: TTT is effective in the management of subfoveal membranes in Indian eyes. They respond to lower energy levels compared to the Caucasian eyes.

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