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Evidence summaries

Laser Photocoagulation for Choroidal Neovascularisation in Pathologic Myopia

Laser photocoagulation may improve visual acquity, but there is uncertainty about adverse effects. Level of evidence: "C"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 2 studies with a total of 96 subjects. One study compared photocoagulation with observation. At the final examination, 16/35 participants randomised to photocoagulation versus 31/35 randomised to observation had visual acuity of 20/100 or worse after 6 to 48 months. Observational studies suggest that the enlargement of the laser scar might lead to retinal pigment epithelial atrophy involving the foveal centre in the long-term, a picture similar to the natural course in some eyes affected by this disease.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (limited study size for each comparison) and by study quality (unclear allocation concealment and insufficient reporting).

References

  • Virgili G, Menchini F. Laser photocoagulation for choroidal neovascularisation in pathologic myopia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005 Oct 19;(4):CD004765. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords