RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: We performed a retrospective analysis of the use of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) pre- and postoperatively in the surgery of neovascular membranes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 81 membranes with retrofovealar extension visible on fluoresceine angiography were operated by vitrectomy and membrane removal from May 1994 to December 1998. Fifty-three had age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), 13 were due to high myopia, and 16 were complications of various inflammatory pathologies. Preoperative evaluation included ICGA, fluoresceine angiography, scanning laser ophthalmoscopy with the study of fixation by microperimetry, and, in recent cases, ocular coherence tomography. RESULTS: ICGA was a definite help in the indication to operate in all cases of ARMD. For 8 cases of inflammatory pathologies, ICGA identified the neovascular membrane within the inflammatory site. ICGA has definite prognostic value in membranes complicating high myopia. Postoperatively, ICGA confirmed the disappearance of neovascularization in ARMD and in the inflammatory group. CONCLUSIONS: ICGA is indispensable in the preoperative evaluation of choroidal subretinal neovascular membranes. Postoperatively, ICGA can identify relapses.