Longterm results in surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to analyse visual outcome, surgical complications and recurrence rates 3 years after removal of subretinal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

The study involved a retrospective analysis of 50 eyes of 50 patients who underwent surgical removal of CNV in AMD between February 1996 and June 1998. The minimum follow-up period was 36 months. Improvement or worsening of visual acuity (VA) was defined as a change of more than two lines.

RESULTS

The mean reduction in VA was 2.2 +/- 6.9 lines. Visual acuity improved in 12 eyes, remained stable in 16 eyes and worsened in 22 eyes. Recurrence of CNV occurred in three eyes.

CONCLUSION

After surgical excision of age-related subfoveal CNV, VA improved or stabilized in a large group of patients. Considering the development of VA and the low recurrence rate, surgical treatment seems to be beneficial compared to the natural course of CNV over a longterm follow-up of more than 3 years.