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Prophylactic laser treatment in early age-related maculopathy: an 8-year follow-up in a randomized pilot study shows a reduced incidence of exudative complications
Article first published online: 26 SEP 2003
DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2003.00143.x
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How to Cite
Frennesson, C. I. (2003), Prophylactic laser treatment in early age-related maculopathy: an 8-year follow-up in a randomized pilot study shows a reduced incidence of exudative complications. Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica, 81: 449–454. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2003.00143.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 26 SEP 2003
- Article first published online: 26 SEP 2003
- Received on February 13th, 2003. Accepted on June 21st, 2003.
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- age-related maculopathy;
- exudative complications;
- prophylactic laser treatment;
- soft drusen
Abstract.
Purpose: To study the effect of mild laser treatment on the incidence of exudative complications in patients with soft drusen maculopathy in a longterm perspective.
Methods: In a prospective study, 38 patients with early age-related maculopathy and good visual acuity (VA) were randomized either to laser treatment using an argon green laser or to observation. At 8 years, 29 patients remained in the study, 16 in the control group and 13 in the treatment group.
Results: During follow-up, mean VA decreased significantly in both groups, to 0.53 in the treatment group (p < 0.05) and to 0.25 in the control group (p < 0.001). At 8 years, 9/16 in the control group showed exudative complications, whereas only 2/13 in the treatment group developed such changes (p < 0.03).
Conclusion: In this randomized pilot study, mild laser treatment of soft drusen maculopathy significantly reduced the rate of exudative complications in a longterm perspective. As the study is small, the results should be viewed with caution.