Feeder vessel laser photocoagulation of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.

Lee,  W K; Kim,  H K

doi:2000.14.2.60

Korean J Ophthalmol > Volume 14(2); 2000 > Article

Original Article

Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2000;14(2):60-68.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3341/kjo.2000.14.2.60 Published online December 30, 2000.

Feeder vessel laser photocoagulation of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.

W K Lee, H K Kim

Department of Ophthalmology, Gil Medical Center, Gachon Medical College, 1198 Guwol-Dong, Namdong-Gu, Incheon 405-220, Korea.

Abstract

We performed laser photocoagulation for extrafoveal feeder vessels in a series of 10 eyes with subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) in which feeder vessels could be detected by means of indocyanine green angiography using scanning laser ophthalmoscope. On the follow up indocyanine green angiograms performed within one week after treatment, successful occlusion of the feeder vessels with nonperfusion of the corresponding CNVMs was observed in 8 eyes (80+ACU-). Four eyes showed improved visual acuities with resolution of the exudative manifestation. But within 3 months, recanalization of the feeder vessels or further proliferation of the CNVMs developed in 7 eyes. We confirmed the possibility of infarction and regression of the CNVM by feeder vessel photocoagulation, which could improve the visual acuity. But it was rarely possible to maintain them.