Diode laser photocoagulation of choroidal neovascular membranes

Background. Krypton or argon laser treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of severe visual loss. The usefulness of diode laser in the treatment of many chorioretinal disorders is currently under evaluation. Methods. Our study involved 42 eyes of 41 patients affected with CNV which were treated with a near infrared diode laser. Results. The mean follow-up was 10.12 months. Visual acuity improved in 12 eyes (28.6%), did not change in 17 eyes (40.5%) and worsened in 13 eyes (30.2%). Mean visual acuity before treatment was 0.23 and 0.21 after treatment. Recurrent CNV was seen in 13 eyes. In a subgroup of 24 well-defined juxtafoveal or extrafoveal CNVs which underwent direct photocoagulation visual acuity improved in 8 eyes (33.3%), was unchanged in 11 (45.8%) and worsened in 5 (20.9%). Five eyes showed recurrent CNV. Conclusions. Our results appear to support the use of diode laser in the treatment of CNVs. The deeper penetration into the choriocapillaris of the diode wavelength could be effective in blocking CNV by inducing a more extensive chorioretinal atrophy.