LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION OF SOFT MACULAR DRUSEN

Purpose. The assessment of morphological and functional results of the threshold photocoagulation in eyes with large soft macular drusen. Material and methods. Thirty four patients (39 eyes) were enrolled in the study. The threshold photocoagulation of soft macular drusen was performed in 23 eyes included in the treatment group. Natural history of disease was observed in 16 eyes included in the control group. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination: visual acuity, tonometry, retinal biomicroscopy, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography and microperimetry. Results. After 12 month-period of follow-up, the threshold photocoagulation of large soft macular drusen (similar to pigment epithelial detachment) leads to their complete regression in 88.9% and partial regression in 11,1%. Retinal thickness over the largest drusen increased significantly from 164±10µm to 225±8µm (рo=0.03). Retinal sensitivity was significantly increased in the treatment group compared to the control group. Сonclusions. The threshold photocoagulation of large soft macular drusen leads to their regression in 88.9%, which is accompanied by increased retinal thickness and improved retinal sensitivity. Early treatment leads to better functional results