The application of the macular photocoagulation study eligibility criteria for laser treatment in age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To analyze the application of the Macular Photocoagulation Study eligibility criteria for laser photocoagulation of choroidal neovascularization, in view of the expansion of these criteria in recent years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors prospectively analyzed 50 eyes of 47 consecutive patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to determine their suitability for treatment. RESULTS: Fifteen eyes (30%) were found to be suitable for laser photocoagulation. Patients eligible for treatment were more likely to have experienced visual symptoms for a month or less (P = .006), to have a visual acuity of 20/200 or better (P=009), and to be younger in age (P = .02) Visual symptoms experienced for a month or less were more prevalent in extrafoveal exudative lesions compared with the subfoveal type (P = .01) CONCLUSIONS: Despite recent advances, laser photocoagulation still can be applied only to a minority of the patients with neovascular AMD. Prompt ocular examination following the onset of visual symptoms is essential.