Indirect photocoagulation of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration.

Forty consecutive patients with age-related macular degeneration and a choroidal neovascular membrane in the center of the macula were treated by dye laser photocoagulation. After a mean 24 month follow-up period, 21 patients (52.5%) remained stable or improved in vision. Of 21 patients with initial visual acuity of 20/100 or better, 11 patients (52%) remained 20/100 or better. In the control group only four patients (25%) remained stable or improved, and only two (15%) remained 20/100 or better. The theoretical and clinical advantages of the indirect laser treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration are discussed.