RECENT ADVANCES IN MACULAR DEGENERATION

This year, a better knowledge of the natural history of many age-related macular degeneration subgroups was obtained. The characteristics of drusen that are at risk of developing subretinal new vessels were precisely defined, regarding their shape, size, or fluorescent pattern. Natural history of occult subretinal new vessels was better achieved and compared with results of laser treatment. Pigment epithelial detachments associated with subretinal new vessels were analyzed and their poor prognosis was made precise; pretear characteristics could be observed and described. The most significant contribution appeared to be a careful evaluation of benefits of photocoagulation for well-defined subretinal new vessels located 1 to 199-mu-m from the center of the foveal avascular zone in a randomized clinical trial.