Longterm results of laser photocoagulation of subfoveal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

We published, in 1991, a short-term result of laser photocoagulation for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 16 eyes. The present paper describes the findings in 12 eyes after followup of 3 years or more, average 54 months. The final visual acuity improved two or more lines in 5 eyes, remained unchanged in 5 and decreased in 2. Large changes in visual acuity set in within 12 months of initial treatment. Final visual acuity between 20/200 and 20/320 was attained in 7 eyes, 59%. CNV recurred in 4 eyes within 3 years of initial treatment. All could be retreated. At the end of observation, all the eyes showed no fluorescein leakage except one with persistent CNV. The findings show the efficacy of laser photocoagulation for subfoveal CNV in AMD.