Long term results after transpupillary thermotherapy in eyes with occult choroidal neovascularisation associated with age related macular degeneration: a prospective trial.

Abstract

To evaluate long term results after transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in eyes with exudative age related macular degeneration. In a prospective clinical study eyes with occult or predominantly occult choroidal neovascularisation and no pretreatment were scheduled to have a TTT with a power of 630 mW. Visual acuity for far and near distances as well as contrast sensitivity were evaluated 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively and statistically analysed. 47 eyes fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Overall, 70% of the patients showed an improved (14%) or had unchanged (56%) ETDRS vision after 24 months. Reading vision was stabilised (51%) or better (5%) in 56% of the eyes at this time. However, the increasing number of eyes with severe deterioration resulted in a significant decrease of both parameters over time (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Contrast sensitivity could be maintained (70%) or improved (9%) in 79%. Statistical analyses indicated a trend but no significant decrease over time (p = 0.056). Although in the majority of patients far and near distance acuity could be stabilised on average a significant decrease over time after TTT was observed. Statistical comparison of months 12 and 24 showed no further deterioration.