The use of a nanosecond laser in the treatment of intermediate-stage AMD

    Abstract

    The use of a nanosecond laser in the treatment of intermediate-stage AMD

    V.V. Neroev, N.V. Neroeva, T.D. Okhotsimskaya, V.V. Tankovskii, G.V. Zavyalov

    Federal State Budgetary Institution «Helmholtz National Medical Research Center for Eye Diseases» of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation

    Purpose. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of subthreshold nanosecond laser treatment in intermediate age­related macular degeneration (AMD).

    Materials and Methods. The treatment outcomes of 30 patients (40 eyes) with intermediate AMD were analyzed. All patients underwent a single session of nanosecond laser treatment (wavelength 532 nm, pulse duration 3 ns, spot diameter 400 μm with speckled beam profile) with subthreshold applications in the posterior pole. Follow­up examinations, including standard ophthalmological examination, optical coherence tomography, and fundus photography, were performed every 3–6 months. The follow­up period was 12–24 months.

    Results. At the end of the two­year follow­up period, stabilization of the clinical picture without AMD progression was observed in 42.5 % of patients (17 eyes), positive dynamics with partial or complete drusen resorption and improved visual acuity in some patients was noted in 25 % (10 eyes). Disease progression was detected in 32.5 % of cases (13 eyes), predominantly manifested by an increase in the number and size of drusen. Development of atrophic changes was observed in 10 % of cases (4 eyes); however, geographic atrophy did not develop in any case. Progression to late exudative stage of AMD was noted in one eye (2.5 %).

    Conclusion. The results of two­year follow­up demonstrate clinical efficacy and safety of nanosecond laser treatment in intermediate AMD. Overall, stabilization and improvement of the clinical picture were achieved in 67.5 % of cases. Further patient follow­up is necessary to clarify the long­term efficacy of the method.

    Keywords: age-related macular degeneration, nanosecond laser, subthreshold laser treatment, drusen, intermediate AMD