Indocyanine green videoangiography of choroidal neovascular membrane in age-related macular degeneration.

Fluorescein angiography is the traditional tool for the detection of choroidal neovascularization of age-related macular degeneration. However, some limitations exist which impede its efficacy in the detection of subretinal neovascularization. Indocyanine green videoangiography is a recently developed technique which differs from fluorescein angiography in many ways. We performed indocyanine green videoangiography in 18 eyes with occult choroidal neovascularization, demonstrated by fluorescein angiography. Sixteen of the 18 eyes showed an abnormal vessel loop in the early phase of indocyanine green videoangiography. In the late phase, all 18 eyes had abnormal dye retention around the suspected neovascular area; however, only 12 eyes revealed a distinct border of neovascularization. No side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions, were noted in our patients. Advantages and drawbacks of indocyanine green videoangiography in comparison with fluorescein angiography are discussed.