Evaluation of choroidal perfusion of the new central macular area by dilution analysis of indocyanine green angiography after macular translocation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible long-term alterations of choroidal perfusion parameters in the new central macular area after macular translocation surgery.

METHODS: Eleven subjects with subfoveal neovascular membrane secondary to age-related macular degeneration or degenerative myopia underwent indocyanine green angiography by using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope before and after macular translocation (mean, 10 months after surgery). Fluorescence intensity of the new central macular area over time was evaluated. Parameters derived from the intensity curves included 10% filling time, ascending slope, and maximal intensity of brightness. The 10% filling time reflects the rapidity of the early choroidal filling phase, whereas the slope of the filling of the curve shows the speed of blood entrance into the choroid. Maximal intensity of brightness indicates vascular density of the area.

RESULTS: No statistical difference was encountered before or after macular translocation in 10% filling time (14.25 +/- 2.09 seconds versus 16.20 +/- 2.95 seconds), slope of the ascending portion of the curve (0.12 +/- 0.04 versus 0.11 +/- 0.04), and maximal intensity of brightness (0.89 +/- 0.09 versus 0.88 +/- 0.07) in the new central macular area. The rotational degree of the retina against the retinal pigment epithelium did not show any significant correlation with 10% filling time, slope, or maximal intensity of brightness.

CONCLUSION: Choroidal perfusion parameters in the new foveal region do not change after macular translocation surgery.