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¹Ankara Üniversitesi, Göz Hastalıkları A.D., Ankara, Asist. Dr.
²Ankara Üniversitesi, Göz Hastalıkları A.D., Ankara, Prof. Dr. Purpose: To determine the autofluorescence patterns of choroidal neovascular (CNV) membranes in age related macular degeneration, and to evaluate the autofluorescence changes after treatment (photodynamic therapy and/or intravitreal anti-VEGF).
Materials and Methods: Fifty eyes of 43 patients with age related macular degeneration whose autofluorescence images were recorded were included in the study. Choroidal neovascular (CNV) membranes were classified as classic and occult CNVs by fundus fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography. The changes in the autofluorescence patterns of the membranes during the follow up period were observed independently from the treatment modality.
Results: Twenty of the 50 eyes had classic, 3 predominantly classic, 5 minimally classic, and 22 occult choroidal neovascularization. Classic and predominantly classic membranes on fluorescein angiography showed hypoautofluorescence. Minimally classic and occult membranes showed variable focal hypo/hyperautofluorescence patterns. Cystoid macular edema accompanying choroidal neovascular membrane represented increased autofluorescence in all eyes. After the treatment, classic CNV lesions became smaller and they had decreased autofluorescence. During the follow up, nonhomogeneous, different fundus autofluorescence patterns of occult CNVs were determined.
Conclusion: To determine the activity and type of CNV is important for follow up and assessment of treatment modality. For this purpose, autofluorescence imaging can be a useful and noninvasive method. Further investigation is needed to determine the CNV autofluorescence features. Keywords : Age related macular degeneration, choroidal neovascular membrane, autofluorescence