Decompensation of the retinal pigment epithelium and occult choroidal neovascularization: indications for treatment.

Degenerative changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may compromise the patient's visual acuity before the development of frank choroidal (subretinal) neovascularization. A decompensation of the barrier function of the RPE may permit accumulation of subretinal fluid and sub- or intraretinal hard, yellow exudate. Laser treatment may control this inimical process which threatens or impairs vision and may prevent or delay its progression.