Retina-Vitreous
2013 , Vol 21 , Num 2
Choroidal Patch Graft Surgery for AMD
M.D., Istituto Clinico S. Anna, Brescia/ITALY
The treatment for advanced AMD, AMD associated to subretinal hemorrhages or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear, and/or non-responders is still controversial. The rationale for transplanting autologous full thickness grafts of RPE, Bruch's membrane and choroid from the periphery in neovascular AMD is that these cells may be able to support the photoreceptors in the macular area.A case series of 84 eyes operated with autologous transplantation of a full thickness patch of RPE and choroid under the fovea is presented. Visual improvement as well as restoration of the retina anatomy may be possible. The prognosis is influenced by the preoperative integrity of the retina at the time of surgery.
Keywords : Age related macular degeneration, choroidal neovascular membrane, retinal pigment epithelium, transplantation