Transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for age-related macular degeneration

Purpose. To review the results of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) on choroidal neovascular membranes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Materials and Methods. 35 eyes of 35 patients with AMD and choroidal neovascularization and exudation were treated with TTT and had fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography (FA) before and at least six months after TTT. 28 eyes had predominantly occult lesions as seen on FA, while 7 demonstrated primarily classic lesions. All were treated with 650 mw power or less using the 810 nm diode laser (3000 micron spot, duration of 60 seconds). Visual acuity, lesion size, and amount of subretinal fluid were determined by results of examination and review of photographs and fluorescein angiograms. Results. A 50% reduction in subretinal fluid was achieved in 67% of treated eyes overall, with stabilization of vision (less than three lines of visual acuity lost) in 86%. Complications from treatment were infrequent (9%) and involved hemorrhage noted in the region of treatment upon follow-up. Conclusion. TTT promotes resolution of subretinal fluid and appears to stabilize visual acuity in patients with exudative AMD.