Risk factors for choroidal neovascularization and vision loss in the fellow eye study of CNVPT.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and vision loss in the Fellow Eye Study of the Choroidal Neovascularization Prevention Trial. METHODS: Retrospective review of 121 patients enrolled in a multicentered, randomized, controlled trial. Patients had neovascular age-related macular degeneration in one eye and more than 10 large drusen in the other eye. Records of patients randomly assigned to laser treatment or observation were reviewed through 4 years of follow-up. Three candidate risk factors for the development of CNV and vision loss were evaluated. RESULTS: Eyes with hyperfluorescent drusen on fluorescein angiography at 3 minutes appeared to have a decreased risk of CNV. Patchy choroidal filling was seen in 14% of patients. Eyes with patchy choroidal perfusion showed a higher risk of developing CNV that was not statistically significant, and the increased risk was present only in treated eyes. Reticular pseudodrusen were present in only three eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Reticular pseudodrusen were rare. Late drusen fluorescence may protect against the development of CNV.