Proton beam irradiation of subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation in age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: To assess the safety and potential toxicity of proton beam radiation in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) due to age-related manner degeneration (ARMD) in a prospective, non-randomised study.

Methods: Forty-eight eyes of 46 consecutive patients with subfoveal CNVM due to ARMD, not amenable to laser photocoagulation, were treated prospectively with a single proton beam exposure. Two dose regimens were evaluated: 8 CGE (Cobalt Gray Equivalent) and 14 CGE.

Treatment of macular degeneration with proton beams.

Subfoveal neovascular membranes (SNVMs) are a leading cause of severe visual loss in the elderly in the United States. Previously, the only treatment that could halt progression of this disease was laser photocoagulation, which was, however, accompanied by immediate reduction in visual acuity. A single narrow proton beam was used to irradiate 45 patients to either 8 or 14 Cobalt Gray Equivalent.

What is the role of radiation in the treatment of subfoveal membranes: review of radiobiologic, pathologic, and other considerations to initiate a multimodality discussion.

Background: Single-dose-fraction conformal proton beam and multiple-fraction X ray dose schedules have been used to treat subfoveal neovascular membranes. All schedules successfully controlled membrane progression, stabilized vision in most patients, and increased visual acuity in some. Conformal protons also decreased the radiation dose to healthy tissues outside the designated volume (16 mm in diameter).

Phase I/II study of proton beam irradiation for the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration: treatment techniques and preliminary results.

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration is the prevalent etiology of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The only effective treatment is laser photocoagulation, which is associated with decreased visual acuity following treatment in most patients. This study assessed both the response of subfoveal CNV to proton beam irradiation and treatment-related morbidity.

Treatment of idiopathic macular holes by induced posterior vitreous detachment.

Purpose: To determine if an expansile gas bubble can relieve vitreofoveal traction without vitrectomy by inducing a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in eyes with an idiopathic impending or full-thickness macular hole (stages 1-3). The status of the impending and full-thickness macular holes after gas injection and tamponade also was studied secondarily.

Methods: Eighteen patients participated in this pilot study.

Immunohistochemical comparison of transscleral continuous wave 1064-Nd:YAG laser retinopexy and cryoretinopexy.

Background: Transcleral retinopexy may be applied with either a cryoprobe or the newer contact laser delivery systems. Tissue responses to these modalities are studied.

Methods: Transcleral 1064-nm continuous wave neodymium-ytrium-aluminum garnet (CW Nd:YAG) laser retinopexy lesions were compared with retinopexy lesions produced by a cryoprobe in a pigmented rabbit model.