USE OF DIGITIZED FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAM SYSTEM TO EVALUATE LASER TREATMENT FOR SUBRETINAL NEOVASCULARIZATION - TECHNIQUE

In patients with subretinal neovascular membranes (SRNVM), persistence of the SRNVM after laser treatment is a major cause of decreased visu al acuity. Persistence is associated with inadequate initial laser tre atment. A technique using a digitized fluorescein angiogram (DFA) syst em is presented that allows immediate evaluation of the adequacy of la ser treatment for SRNVM. This involves overlaying a red-free photograp h taken after treatment on a fluorescein angiogram taken before treatm ent using a digital angiogram system that evaluates the adequacy of tr eatment. A protocol for augmentation of laser treatment has been devel oped that will aid in the reduction of persistence after laser treatme nt of SRNVM.