Course of epithelial scars after surgical removal of small-sized subfovealneovessels

Purpose: We analyzed outcomes of 18 subfoveal neovascular membrane scars af ter surgery removal in age related macular degeneration. Surface and aspect of pigment epithelial defects were evaluated on angiographic data. Results : We differentiated glial scars and atrophic scars, the most numero us. Scar surfaces were larger compared to the initial preoperative lesions. Central epithelial pigments in scars disappeared in the three months follo wing surgery. After on year, scar surfaces moderatly enlarged. Discussion: Ideal approach for retinotomy as well as clinical aspects have to be well evaluated in subfoveal neovascular surgical removal. The angiogr aphic mask effect of the avascular ring surrounding the neovessel is someti me detectable; the approximative scar surface is by this fact more predicta ble. Conclusion : latrogenic damages of surgery and postoperative inflammatory l esions must be considered before when a surgical removal of neovascular mem branes is suggested.