Surgical excision of type 1+2 choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

Purpose: To evaluate the visual acuity outcome and the various factors influencing visual outcome in patients undergoing surgical removal of type I + 2 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: We studied the records of 54 patients (54 eyes) followed for at least I year after surgical excision of CNV associated with AMD. Results: The final visual acuity was 0.4 or better in 4%, 0.1 to 0.3 in 46%, and worse than 0.1 in 50% of the patients. Final visual acuity was improved in 39%, stable in 37%, and worse in 24%. Stepwise regression showed that the distance between the center of the foveal avascular zone and the CNV margin had the greatest effect on final visual acuity. Conclusions: Surgical excision of typel + 2 CNV due to AMD may be indicated for preserving preoperative visual acuity. The distance between the center of the foveal avascular zone and the CNV margin is the most important factor affecting final visual acuity.