RESUMO
PURPOSE: The efficacy of external-beam radiation therapy (RT) was evaluated in the treatment of eyes with subfoveal or juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one eyes of 18 patients with occult or mixed-type ARMD received a total dose of 20 Gy of 6 MV X-rays in 10 fractions. The follow-up time was 24 months. Fifteen non-treated eyes of 13 patients who had been followed served as a control. RESULTS: In the RT group, visual acuity was improved in three eyes, maintained in 14 eyes, and worsened in four eyes. In the control group, it was not improved in any eyes, was maintained in six eyes, and worsened in nine eyes. The improved or maintained rate in visual acuity was 81% in the RT group and 40% in the control group (p=0.0342). In the RT group, fundoscopic and angiographic findings were improved in five eyes, unchanged in seven eyes, and worsened in nine eyes, while they were not improved in any eyes, unchanged in two eyes, and worsened in 13 eyes in the control group(p=0.0342). CONCLUSION: RT at a total dose of 20 Gy in 10 fractions is effective for ARMD for at least two years. RT may be effective treatment for occult or mixed-type ARMD compared with the classic type.
