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Transpupillary
Thermotherapy (TTT) uses a long-pulse 810-nanometer infrared
laser that penetrates beneath the level of the retinal pigment
epithelium. This is a broad beam laser that can be used to
treat a large, ill-defined CNV.
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| Occult
CNV prior to treatment with Transpupillary Thermotherapy
(TTT). |
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| Occult
CNV following treatment with TTT. Note complete
cessation of leakage in the central macular area. |
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Because
the laser energy is dissipated below the retinal pigment epithelium,
the neurosensory retina is spared The laser light is also
poorly absorbed by hemoglobin, which allows treatment through
preretinal or subretinal hemorrhages.
TTT clinical trials showed that approximately 8 to 20% of
treated patients had some recovery in acuity, 70% remained
stable with control of the underlying CNV, and 10-12% continued
to have declining acuity. In these latter patients, the decline
was not considered to be a result of treatment but rather
a result of disease progression. These results are far better
than the natural course of occult CNV in which only about
38% of eyes remain stable.
TTT can also be used in the treatment of intraocular tumours
like choroidal melanoma, choroidal hemangioma & retinoblastoma.
At Ahalia, we have the Iridex 810-nanometer infrared laser
with slit lamp connection for TTT.
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