Initial experience of inferior limited macular translocation for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization resulting from causes other than age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To report our initial experience of inferior limited macular translocation in patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization resulting from causes other than age-related macular degeneration.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 23 eyes of 22 patients with choroidal neovascularization involving the foveal center secondary to pathologic myopia (11 eyes), ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (four eyes), angioid streaks (four eyes), idiopathic neovascularization (three eyes), and multifocal choroiditis (one eye), in which the fovea was moved inferiorly by means of limited macular translocation surgery. The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/150, and in five of 23 eyes (21.7%) the visual acuity was 20/80 or better. The major outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, postoperative foveal displacement, and complications related to the surgery.

RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up was 10.82 months (range, 6 to 18 months). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved by 2 or more Snellen lines of visual acuity in 11 of 23 eyes (47.82%), remained within 1 line in seven of 23 eyes (30.43%), and worsened 2 or more lines of vision in five of 23 eyes (21.74%). The mean postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/100, and in 12 of the 23 eyes (52.17%) the visual acuity achieved was 20/80 or better. Retinal detachment was the most frequent complication and occurred in six eyes (26%).

CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience with limited macular translocation shows that this treatment modality offers the potential to improve visual function in some eyes with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to myopia, ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, angioid streaks, idiopathic neovascularization, and multifocal choroiditis. Although longer and more complete follow-up is needed, the results of this initial series warrant further studies to define the precise role of macular translocation in the management of these conditions.