Krypton laser photocoagulation at low power setting for age-related macular degeneration complicated with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of krypton laser photocoagulation for treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) complicated with mainly subfoveal classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods: Seventeen eyes of 17 cases, aged 50 - 74 years (averaged 60.8 years) with mainly subfoveal classic choroidal neovascularization were treated with krypton laser at lower power setting. The treatment was completed in one session. Another course of treatment was given 4 weeks later if there was active leakage demonstrated at the CNV area. Visual acuity, anterior segment and fundus examination, perimetry test, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed before and after treatment. The follow-up period was 3.5 years on average (1 - 8 years).

Results: There was no immediately decrease of visual acuity after treatment. All treated eyes showed absorption of hemorrhages and/or exudates and diminished leakages. Visual acuity was stable in 8 eyes; improved in 6 eyes (>/= 2 lines), and decreased in 3 eyes (

Conclusions: Krypton laser photocoagulation at low power setting is an effective treatment for AMD with mainly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.