Clinical study of senile disciform macular degeneration
Mine, N.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 90(2): 398-408
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0203 PMID: 3706083 Document Number: 273300
197 eyes of 157 cases of senile disciform macular degeneration were studied clinically using ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. Senile macular degeneration could be divided into two types; disciform lesion type and hemorrhagic RPE detachment type. 40 of 157 cases (25%) were affected in both eyes. Age distribution of the cases showed the highest incidence of 60 years. Regarding predominance in sexuality, incidence was confirmed three times higher in male cases. The natural course of the disease was proved to be poor. In 65 of 95 unilateral cases (68%), drusen and/or RPE changes were found fluorescein angiographically and/or ophthalmoscopically. It was suggested that drusen could be one of the most significant pathologies which are related to the onset of senile disciform macular degeneration. Argon Laser treatment was performed on 38 eyes and then they were observed for a long-term period. In 30 of the 38 eyes, visual acuity improved or remained the same after treatment. Compared with the natural course of the disease, many of them could preserve pre-treatment visual acuity or more. Patients with senile disciform macular degeneration who are at risk for the development of choroidal neovascularization in fellow eyes should be examined periodically so that if symptomatic neovascularization develops, treatment can be considered before irreversible visual loss occurs.