Interferon alpha-2a treatment of patients with subfoveal neovascular macular degeneration. A pilot investigation.

It has recently been suggested that interferon alpha-2a has a beneficial effect on exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). So far, results are controversial, and masked, placebo controlled, randomized studies with well-defined inclusion criteria are required to assess the effect of interferon alpha-2a. In preparation for such a study we performed a pilot investigation that included 5 patients with subfoveal neovascularizations. All patients received interferon alpha-2a (Roferon-A, Hoffmann La-Roche) 1.5 mio, IU subcutaneously every second day for 8 weeks. Improved visual acuity was subjectively observed by 4 patients and objectively by 3 patients. Two patients showed decreased central visual field defect. Fluorescein angiography and fundus photography showed ambiguous changes. Amsler chart and contrast sensitivity also showed heterogenous results. Even though the treatment with interferon alpha-2a may show some positive effect, our results are not unequivocal and serve to underline the need for controlled studies before the effect of interferon alpha-2a on neovascular AMD can be reliably assessed.