The application of the macular photocoagulation study eligibility criteria for laser treatment in age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To analyze the application of the Macular Photocoagulation Study eligibility criteria for laser photocoagulation of choroidal neovascularization, in view of the expansion of these criteria in recent years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors prospectively analyzed 50 eyes of 47 consecutive patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to determine their suitability for treatment.

RESULTS

Fifteen eyes (30%) were found to be suitable for laser photocoagulation. Patients eligible for treatment were more likely to have experienced visual symptoms for a months or less (P = .006), to have a visual acuity of 20/200 or better (P = .009), and to be younger in age (P = .02). Visual symptoms experienced for a month or less were more prevalent in extrafoveal exudative lesions compared with the subfoveal type (P = .01)

CONCLUSIONS

Despite recent advances, laser photocoagulation still can be applied only to a minority of the patients with neovascular AMD. Prompt ocular examination following the onset of visual symptoms is essential.