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.