F Fasce, D Salerno, F Paratore, R Brancato
H. San Raffaele, Ophthalmology, Milano, Italy
Purpose. To evaluate the influence of different treatment modalities of subfoveal neovascolarization on the visual performances in low vision patients affected by age related macular degeneration.
Methods. In this study twenty-two low vision patients, visual acuity 0,2-0.05, suffering from subfoveal neovascolarization in age related macular degeneration were included. Twelve patients were treated by perifoveal kripton laser photocoagulation (PLP). Twelve patients underwent photodynamic theraphy (PDT). The visual function was assessed by mean of visual acuity measurement, central perimetry (central 10-2), capability of using low-vision aids with success.
Results. PF group final visual acuity was 0.13 ± 0.063. Central perimetry showed persistence of central fixation in 2 patients. An useful reading visual acuity, A7 Keeler, with low vision aids was achieved by all the PLP patients (magnification 7,16 ± 6,1 X).
PDT group obtained the following results: visual acuity 0,16 ± 0,09, A7 Keeler reading visual acuity using low power optical devices (magnification 2,66 ± 2,1), fixation offset upper or upper-right to the margin of scotoma.
The results confirm, after twelve months follow up, the validity of photodynamic treatment in maintaining a minimal useful visual acuity and central macular function, compared to perifoveal laser photocoagulation.
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