External beam irradiation of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization complicating age-related macular degeneration: one-year results of a prospective, double-masked, randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: To determine the effects of low-dose external beam irradiation compared with observation on the visual function of eyes with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) complicating age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

Design: Prospective, double-masked, randomized clinical trial. Patients randomized to the radiation group received external beam irradiation at a dose of 14 Gy in 7 fractions of 2 Gy. Patients randomized to the observation group received sham radiation.

Setting: Tertiary care retinal referral practice.

Patients: Individuals with classic, mixed, or occult subfoveal CNV secondary to ARMD.

Main Outcome Measures: Change in visual acuity from baseline to specified time periods. Secondary outcome variables were contrast sensitivity and fundus photographic/fluorescein angiographic progression.

Results: Forty-two eyes were randomized to observation; 41 eyes, to radiation. Baseline characteristics and demographics did not differ between groups. The median distance visual acuity (DVA) in radiation-treated eyes decreased from 20/80 at baseline to 20/320 (mean loss rate, 4.14 lines) at 1-year follow-up. The median DVA in observation group eyes decreased from 20/125 at baseline to 20/250 (mean loss rate, 3.39 lines) at 1-year follow-up. There were no statistically significant differences in changes in DVA, contrast sensitivity, or fluorescein angiographic progression from baseline between groups at any follow-up period.

Conclusions: At 1-year follow-up, low-dose external beam irradiation at 14 Gy in 7 fractions of 2 Gy is neither beneficial nor harmful for subfoveal CNV complicating ARMD.