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Prophylactic Diode Laser Photocoagulation for the Prevention of Choroidal Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Principal Investigator:  Ronald C. Gentile, M.D.

Enrollment Status:  Completed

Objective:  To determine whether patients treated with sub-threshold (invisible) diode laser photocoagulation versus no treatment for drusen in eyes with age-related macular degeneration results in improved anatomic and/or visual outcome compared to the natural history of the disease.

CONCLUSION:  Prophylactic subthreshold 810-nm-diode laser treatment to an eye with multiple large drusen in a patient whose fellow eye has already suffered a neovascular event places the treated eye at higher risk of developing choroidal neovascularization. We advise against using prophylactic subthreshold diode laser treatment in these eyes.

For more information: ClinicalTrials.gov