Photocoagulation of serous detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium in patients with senile macular disease.

Twenty-one eyes of 18 patients aged 58 to 78 years (mean: 66 years) showing serous retinal pigment epithelial detachment associated with senile macular degeneration underwent green argon laser photocoagulation and were observed from 7 to 69 months (mean: 27 months). Treatment collapsed the retinal pigment epithelial detachment in 17 eyes (81.0%). Sustained improvement in visual acuity was obtained in seven eyes (33.3%), and stabilization of visual acuity in one eye. Analysis of available data describing the natural history of this condition indicates that although photocoagulation does not reduce the incidence of choroidal neovascularization, the treatment can be beneficial.