What is the success rate for laser treatment of macular degeneration? How many treatments are usually needed before results are apparent? [ 02/08/10 ]
Laser photocoagulation is no longer the first line therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). With the recent development of anti-VEGF agents such as Lucentis and Avastin, intravitreal* injections of the above medications are often the initial treatment for neovascular (wet) AMD. That said, the success rate of laser treatment is variable from patient to patient, depending on the location of the abnormal blood vessel growth and the type of laser (photocoagulation vs. photodynamic therapy).
*Intravitreal refers to the eye's vitreous humor between the lens and the retina.
Anatomy of the Eye Medical Illustration:
http://www.ahaf.org/macular/about/understanding/anatomy-of-the-eye.html