Objective: To report the functional and anatomical outcome of 20 patients who underwent surgical removal of choroidal neovascularization combined with transplantation of autologous iris pigment epithelial cells to the...Objective: To report the functional and anatomical outcome of 20 patients who underwent surgical removal of choroidal neovascularization combined with transplantation of autologous iris pigment epithelial cells to the subretinal space 3 years after treatment. Methods: Freshly isolated autologous iris pigment epithelial cells were translocated to the subretinal space in 20 patients after membrane extraction. Patients were followed up by funduscopy,angiography,microperimetry,and visual acuity testing. Results: After a follow-up of 3 years,1 patient showed improved visual acuity,13 patients retained stable visual acuity,and 3 patients had reduced visual acuity. No macular edema or recurrent choroidal neovascularization was apparent at any time during the follow-up. Conclusions: Transplanted autologous iris pigment epithelial cells were well tolerated for 3 years and stabilization of visual acuity was achieved in most patients. These results suggest that iris pigment epithelial cells may serve as a substitute for retinal pigment epithelial cells after choroidal neovascularization removal in patients with exudative macular degeneration; however,whether these cells will be of any value for the restoration of vision and possible protection against choroidal neovascularization recurrence awaits further clinical observation and additional research.展开更多
文摘Objective: To report the functional and anatomical outcome of 20 patients who underwent surgical removal of choroidal neovascularization combined with transplantation of autologous iris pigment epithelial cells to the subretinal space 3 years after treatment. Methods: Freshly isolated autologous iris pigment epithelial cells were translocated to the subretinal space in 20 patients after membrane extraction. Patients were followed up by funduscopy,angiography,microperimetry,and visual acuity testing. Results: After a follow-up of 3 years,1 patient showed improved visual acuity,13 patients retained stable visual acuity,and 3 patients had reduced visual acuity. No macular edema or recurrent choroidal neovascularization was apparent at any time during the follow-up. Conclusions: Transplanted autologous iris pigment epithelial cells were well tolerated for 3 years and stabilization of visual acuity was achieved in most patients. These results suggest that iris pigment epithelial cells may serve as a substitute for retinal pigment epithelial cells after choroidal neovascularization removal in patients with exudative macular degeneration; however,whether these cells will be of any value for the restoration of vision and possible protection against choroidal neovascularization recurrence awaits further clinical observation and additional research.