[Transpupillary thermotherapy in occult subretinal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. Preliminary results].

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) to treat choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients (ten eyes) with occult CNV were treated by TTT. A 810 nm diode laser was used to perform TTT. The diode laser was delivered through a panfunduscopic contact lens. RESULTS: Three eyes showed a visual acuity improvement and a decrease in exudation on fluorescein angiography. Four eyes remained stable. Nevertheless, lesions worsened after treatment in three cases. One of these cases suffered an overtreatment. CONCLUSIONS: TTT may be a useful therapy in some cases of CNV in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Randomized and multicentric studies are necessary to stablish precise indications of this therapy.