Suspended

Focal Laser Photocoagulation for AMD and POH Patients

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Study Aim

This phase 3 study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of focal laser photocoagulation as a treatment for individuals with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (POH).

What is being tested

Data Collection

Who is being recruted

Bacterial Infections and Mycoses+12

+ Eye Diseases

+ Histoplasmosis

Over 18 Years
See all eligibility criteria
How is the trial designed

Treatment Study

Phase 3
Interventional
Study Start: February 1979
See protocol details

Summary

Principal SponsorNational Eye Institute (NEI)
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Study start date: February 1, 1979

Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.

The Macular Photocoagulation Study (MPS) is a research project that looks into the effectiveness of laser treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye conditions. The study is particularly interested in understanding if laser treatment can prevent or delay vision loss in individuals with these conditions. It focuses on two main types of laser treatments: argon blue-green laser and krypton red laser, and aims to recruit a significant number of patients with AMD and other conditions to participate in the trials. The study's potential outcomes could greatly improve the care and treatment options available for those suffering from AMD and related conditions. In this study, some participants will receive laser treatment, while others will be observed without any treatment. The laser treatments are provided using either an argon blue-green laser or a krypton red laser, depending on the specific condition and location of the affected area in the eye. The study's duration is set for 5 years, during which the visual acuity of the participants will be monitored to see if the laser treatments can prevent or delay vision loss. The study also compares the effectiveness of the two types of lasers used in the treatment. Participants should be aware that as with any medical procedure, there may be potential risks associated with laser treatment.

Official TitleMacular Photocoagulation Study (MPS)
Principal SponsorNational Eye Institute (NEI)
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Protocol

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

Treatment Study

These studies test new ways to treat a disease, condition, or health issue. The goal is to see if a new drug, therapy, or approach works better or has fewer side effects than existing options.

Eligibility

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.
Conditions
Criteria

Any sex

Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.

Over 18 Years

Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.

Healthy volunteers not allowed

If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.

Conditions

Pathology

Bacterial Infections and MycosesEye DiseasesHistoplasmosisInfectionsMacular DegenerationMetaplasiaMycosesNeovascularization, PathologicPathologic ProcessesRetinal DegenerationRetinal DiseasesPathological Conditions, Signs and SymptomsUveal DiseasesChoroid DiseasesChoroidal Neovascularization

Criteria

Common Eligibility Criteria for the Argon, Krypton, and Foveal Studies: To be eligible, men and women must have been experiencing visual symptoms attributable to the macular lesion, such as decreased visual acuity or Amsler grid distortion, at the time of entry into the study. They also must have had visible, well-demarcated hyperfluorescence characteristic of classic choroidal neovascularization on fluorescein angiography. AMD patients were 50 years of age or older and had drusen visible in the macula of at least one eye. POH patients were at least 18 years old and had at least one characteristic histo spot in one or both eyes. INVM patients were at least 18 years old and had no evidence of AMD, POH, angioid streaks, high myopia, diabetic retinopathy, or any other condition that could be the cause of the neovascularization. In particular, INVM patients had neither drusen greater than MPS Standard Photograph No. 1.1 nor histo spots in either eye. Additional Patient Eligibility Criteria for the Argon Study: Each patient had a visible serous detachment of the sensory retina with a diffuse area of leakage, discrete choroidal neovascularization outside the fovea (200-2,500 microns from the center of the FAZ), and visual acuity of 20/100 or better in the study eye. Additional Patient Eligibility Criteria for the Krypton Study: All patients had a neovascular lesion consisting of neovascularization and possibly blood and/or pigment that extended into the FAZ. The posterior border of CNV could extend as close as 1 micron to the FAZ center. Visual acuity of the study eye was 20/400 or better. Additional Patient Eligibility Criteria for the Foveal Study: Only patients with AMD were eligible for this study. Fluorescein angiography of the eligible eye had to show evidence of a leaking choroidal neovascular membrane, some part of which extended under the center of the FAZ, or a neovascular lesion consisting of an old laser treatment scar and contiguous leaking neovascularization within 150 microns of the center of the FAZ. New, never-treated subfoveal lesions were less than four disc areas in size. Recurrent lesions were less than six disc areas in size, including the old treatment scar and new neovascularization. Best-corrected visual acuity was no better than 20/40 and no worse than 20/320.

Study Centers

These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.
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