Recurrent choroidal neovascularization after argon laser photocoagulation for neovascular maculopathy. Macular Photocoagulation Study Group

Results from the Macular Photocoagulation Study Group have shown that argon laser photocoagulation is beneficial in reducing the risk of severe visual loss in eyes with extrafoveal choroidal neovascular membranes secondary to senile macular degeneration (Senile Macular Degeneration Study or SMDS), ocular histoplasmosis (Ocular Histoplasmosis Study or OHS), or idiopathic neovascularization (Idiopathic Neovascularization Study or INVS). However, argon laser treatment has not been entirely successful in permanently eradicating active neovascularization from those eyes. Recurrent neovascularization in the form of either neovascularization contiguous with the treatment scar or independent neovascular membranes have been observed in 70 (59%) of the 119 SMDS eyes originally assigned to treatment, 40 (30%) of the 132 OHS eyes, and 11 (33%) of the 33 INVS eyes. Recurrence was accompanied by an increased frequency of severe visual loss. Characteristics of the patient, original lesion, and treatment were examined for their ability to predict recurrence. Cigarette smoking was related to the rate of recurrence in the SMDS (P = .02) and the INVS (P = .09). Younger age and female gender were associated with an increased frequency of recurrence in the OHS. Predictions of which eyes will suffer recurrence, however, cannot be made accurately. Therefore, careful follow-up of all treated eyes is indicated, particularly within the first year after initial argon photocoagulation.

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

'Smoke gets in your eyes': a research-informed professional education and advocacy programme
Thornton et al.
J Public Health (Oxf) 2007;29:142-146.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Laser Photocoagulation and, to a Lesser Extent, Photodynamic Therapy Target and Enhance Adenovirus Vector-Mediated Gene Transfer in the Rat Retina
Anzai et al.
IOVS 2005;46:3883-3891.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Nonhuman Primate Models for Diabetic Ocular Neovascularization Using AAV2-Mediated Overexpression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Lebherz et al.
Diabetes 2005;54:1141-1149.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Surgical Removal vs Observation for Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization, Either Associated With the Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome or Idiopathic: I. Ophthalmic Findings From a Randomized Clinical Trial: Submacular Surgery Trials (SST) Group H Trial: SST Report No. 9
Submacular Surgery Trials Research Group
Arch Ophthalmol 2004;122:1597-1611.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

CAI Is a Potent Inhibitor of Neovascularization and Imparts Neuroprotection in a Mouse Model of Ischemic Retinopathy
Franklin et al.
IOVS 2004;45:3756-3766.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Treatment of age-related macular degeneration
Browning et al.
JRSM 2004;97:166-169.
FULL TEXT  

Smoking and blindness
Kelly et al.
BMJ 2004;328:537-538.
FULL TEXT  

Photodynamic Therapy With Verteporfin in Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Ergun et al.
Arch Ophthalmol 2004;122:37-41.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Radiotherapy for recurrent choroidal neovascularisation complicating age related macular degeneration
Marcus et al.
Br. J. Ophthalmol. 2004;88:114-119.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Smoking and the 5-Year Incidence of Age-Related Maculopathy: The Blue Mountains Eye Study
Mitchell et al.
Arch Ophthalmol 2002;120:1357-1363.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Visual Outcomes in the Subfoveal Radiotherapy Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Teletherapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Hart et al.
Arch Ophthalmol 2002;120:1029-1038.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Intravitreal triamcinolone in subfoveal recurrence of choroidal neovascularisation after laser treatment in macular degeneration
Ranson et al.
Br. J. Ophthalmol. 2002;86:527-529.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Monoclonal Antibody-Mediated Drug Targeting to Choroidal Neovascularization in the Rat
Kamizuru et al.
IOVS 2001;42:2664-2672.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Age-Related Maculopathy in a Randomized Trial of Low-Dose Aspirin Among US Physicians
Christen et al.
Arch Ophthalmol 2001;119:1143-1149.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for the treatment of choroidal neovascularisation
Newsom et al.
Br. J. Ophthalmol. 2001;85:173-178.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study: A Clinical Trial of Zinc and Antioxidants--Age-Related Eye Disease Study Report No. 2
Group
J. Nutr. 2000;130:1516S-1519.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Photodynamic Therapy With Verteporfin for Choroidal Neovascularization Caused by Age-related Macular Degeneration: Results of a Single Treatment in a Phase 1 and 2 Study
Miller et al.
Arch Ophthalmol 1999;117:1161-1173.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Alternative therapies in exudative age related macular degeneration
CHONG and BIRD
Br. J. Ophthalmol. 1998;82:1441-1443.
FULL TEXT  

Age-related Macular Degeneration: Clinical Features in a Large Family and Linkage to Chromosome 1q
Klein et al.
Arch Ophthalmol 1998;116:1082-1088.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Scanning laser fundus perimetry before laser photocoagulation of well defined choroidal neovascularisation
Rohrschneider et al.
Br. J. Ophthalmol. 1997;81:568-573.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Decreased choriocapillaris perfusion following surgical excision of choroidal neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration
Nasir et al.
Br. J. Ophthalmol. 1997;81:481-489.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Diseases of the Retina
D'Amico
NEJM 1994;331:95-106.
FULL TEXT