Retrospective study on the evolution of visual acuity after external beam radiotherapy (20 Gy, 2 Gy fractions) for subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes in ARMD

Bull Soc Belge Ophtalmol. 1998:270:27-34.

Abstract

This is a retrospective study of 104 patients with a total follow-up between 12 and 48 months (mean follow-up of 24 months), in which the effect of External Beam Radiotherapy with a total dose of 20 Gy (2 Gy fractions) on the visual acuity of eyes affected by subfoveal choroidal neovascularization is evaluated. The evolution of the visual acuity of the irradiated eyes is compared with the evolution of the visual acuity of their fellow eyes which were also affected by choroidal neovascularization but were not treated or treated by laser photocoagulation. This study suggests that the effect of radiotherapy, with a total dose of 20 Gy, on the visual acuity of eyes affected by subfoveal choroidal neovascularization, seems to be not better than the natural course of choroidal neovascularization or the evolution after laser therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Choroid / blood supply*
  • Humans
  • Laser Coagulation
  • Macular Degeneration / physiopathology*
  • Macular Degeneration / radiotherapy*
  • Macular Degeneration / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / radiotherapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Visual Acuity / radiation effects*