Long-term results of laser treatment in the ocular histoplasmosis syndrome
H. L. Cummings, A. J. Rehmar, W. J. Wood and R. D. Isernhagen
Retina and Vitreous Associates of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term visual outcome, rate of persistent
choroidal neovascularization, and rate of recurrent choroidal
neovascularization in eyes undergoing laser photocoagulation for choroidal
neovascularization secondary to ocular histoplasmosis syndrome. DESIGN AND
PATIENTS: One hundred one eyes with 5 to 16 years of follow-up that
presented with choroidal neovascularization secondary to ocular
histoplasmosis were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were grouped
according to location of choroidal neovascularization and assignment to
observation or laser photocoagulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity
outcome and loss for all groups were compared. The rates of persistent and
recurrent choroidal neovascularization for the treated eyes were also
evaluated. RESULTS: Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was obtained in 71% of
eyes with treated extrafoveal choroidal neovascularization and 68% with
treated juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization. Recurrent choroidal
neovascularization was observed in 23% of treated eyes during a mean
follow-up of 9.6 years. CONCLUSION: Results support the long-term benefit
of photocoagulation and need for careful follow-up.
